John Pickles, Creator of Jive Bunny and The Mastermixers, Dies at 84

John Pickles, the creative force behind the novelty pop group Jive Bunny and The Mastermixers, has passed away at 84, as reported by his company, Mastermix. He established Jive Bunny in Rotherham in 1989, leading the act to secure three UK number one singles: 'Swing The Mood', 'That's What I Like', and 'Let's Party'. The music featured a mix of synthesizers and samples, merging contemporary pop with classic hits from the 1950s to the 1970s. Mastermix praised Pickles as "a true pioneer in the music industry," noting his impact as a leader and songwriter. The group, which included his son Andrew and DJ Les Hemstock, also produced the top 10 album 'Jive Bunny The Album' and five UK top 10 hits. Steve White, a DJ and friend, remarked that their success was "a people's success story." In December 2024, a new Jive Bunny production, '3, 6, 9', was released, celebrating the group's legacy with a modern flair.