John Pickles, the creator of the popular novelty pop act Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers, has died at the age of 84.
Pickles formed the group in Rotherham in 1989. Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers became known for their chart success, achieving five UK top 10 hits, including number ones. The act also released a UK top 10 album, "Jive Bunny The Album."
Central to the group's image was a cartoon rabbit character, which also appeared in music videos and was portrayed by costumed actors during promotional appearances.
The members of Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers included Pickles, his son Andrew, who also worked as a director for Mastermix, and Doncaster DJ and producer Les Hemstock.
Steve White, a DJ who knew Pickles personally, described the group's success as "a people's success story" that "the family could enjoy."
In December 2024, Mastermix released a new Jive Bunny production titled "3, 6, 9," which the company stated was "celebrating the origins of Jive Bunny while adding a modern twist."