Punk rock legend Jock McDonald, frontman of The Bollock Brothers, died July 26, 2025, in what his bandmates described as a freak swimming accident at Bundoran Beach in County Donegal, Ireland. He was 69.
The news was confirmed by band drummer Pat Pattyn in a Facebook post at the request of McDonald’s children. Pattyn wrote: “It is with great sadness in my heart, I have to bring you this terrible news.”
According to local reports, McDonald was pulled from the water by RNLI volunteer lifeguards around 5:20 p.m. Saturday near the diving boards at Bundoran Beach. He was rushed to Sligo University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Born Patrick Joseph O’Donnell in 1956, McDonald spent his early years in Scotland before founding The Bollock Brothers in 1979. The British-Irish punk band gained cult status across Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom throughout their career spanning more than four decades.
The band released nine studio albums, four live albums, and 28 singles during their tenure. They became most widely recognized for their English-language cover of French musician Serge Gainsbourg’s “Harley David (Son of a Bitch)” from 1987, along with their rendition of Alex Harvey’s “Faith Healer.”
Beyond their cover versions, The Bollock Brothers created original tracks including “Horror Movies,” “The Bunker,” and “The Legend of the Snake.” They also collaborated with Killing Joke’s Martin Glover on “The Slow Removal of the Left Ear of Vincent van Gogh” and performed rock classics from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, David Bowie, and Vangelis.
McDonald had returned to Donegal in preparation for an upcoming tour when the incident occurred. At the time of his death, he was actively working on both a new single and album, projects that now remain unfinished.
After spending his early life between Ireland and Scotland, McDonald later relocated to London, where he worked as a promoter, DJ, and manager before focusing on his music career with The Bollock Brothers.
Longtime bandmate Keith Bradshaw remembered McDonald as his best friend of 45 years and described him as a true legend. McDonald’s brother Gerry O’Donnell expressed his grief, noting that McDonald was more than a brother to him and reflecting on the irony of his return to Donegal just as his life was cut short.
The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival, which had welcomed McDonald in previous years, issued a statement affirming that the music world would not be the same without him, calling him one of the great characters in punk’s global story.
Pattyn requested privacy for the family during this difficult time, asking fans not to call and to give them space to process the loss. He indicated that the family and all members of The Bollock Brothers remained in shock following the sudden death.
Charly Records expressed their sadness at learning of McDonald’s passing, stating their thoughts were with his family and friends during this difficult time. The record label had worked with The Bollock Brothers throughout their career.
Social media tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians, with many remembering McDonald’s wit, charm, and punk rock spirit. Supporters described him as a complete original who would be missed by many, while others recalled shared memories and performances over the years.
McDonald’s death marks the end of a singular career defined by iconoclastic energy and international reach. His contributions to the punk rock scene spanned multiple countries and generations of fans who appreciated The Bollock Brothers’ unique blend of original compositions and reimagined classics.
The band had built their reputation through bold, subversive creativity and maintained a dedicated following in punk circles across Europe. Their influence extended beyond their recorded output to live performances that showcased McDonald’s distinctive vocal style and stage presence.
