The lead singer and last surviving member of classic rock band Iron Butterfly has passed away. He was 78.

The band’s claim to fame is the song  In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. The song was made in 1968 and it inspired many future musicians.

Per Fox News, Doug Ingle Jr. confirmed his Dad’s death in a statement provided to the news outlet.

“My father passed away Friday evening May 24, 2024,” the statement said.

“It is a huge loss and a crack in our family’s universe which will be a challenge navigating this new reality.

“Dad was a truly wonderful person to know and be around.

“He had a comical wit and always fast with comebacks that would cause spontaneous laughter making it sometimes hard to have a serious conversation.

“He will be missed.”

No cause of death was provided.

Doug’s son also posted the news on Facebook:

“Thank you dad for being a father, teacher and friend,” he stated.

“Cherished loving memories I will carry the rest of my days moving forward in this journey of life.”

Douglas Lloyd Ingle was born on September 9, 1945, in Omaha, Nebraska. His early life was all about  music; his father was a church organist, and Ingle himself was trained in classical piano from a young age. This classical foundation would later influence his unique approach to rock music.

Ingle moved to San Diego, California,. The band was formed Iron Butterfly in 1966. The band quickly became a staple of the Los Angeles rock scene.

Iron Butterfly’s debut album, “Heavy,” released in 1968, established them as a force in psychedelic rock. However, it was their second album, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” that pushed them into stardom. The title track, a 17-minute epic written by Ingle, became an anthem of the era. Legend has it that the song’s name was the result of a drunken slip; Ingle had meant  to say “In the Garden of Eden.”

The song’s success was unprecedented. “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”  the album eventually sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Doug Ingle’s classical training and innovative spirit were evident in his songs. His use of the Vox Continental organ added a unique sound to Iron Butterfly’s music, setting them apart from other bands of the time.

Ingle left the band in 1971, and although Iron Butterfly continued in various forms, they never again achieved the heights of their early years. Doug’s contribution to the music remains inerasable. “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is considered one of the most relevant tracks of the psychedelic rock era and continues to influence musicians across genres.

Rest in Peace