Home / Arts and Entertainment / Jive Bunny Creator John Pickles Dies at 84
Jive Bunny Creator John Pickles Dies at 84
3 Sep
Summary
- John Pickles, creator of Jive Bunny, has passed away at 84.
- His act achieved three UK number ones with their unique sound.
- Mastermix hailed him as a true pioneer and talented songwriter.

John Pickles, the mastermind behind the iconic 1980s pop group Jive Bunny and The Mastermixers, has passed away at the age of 84. His company, Mastermix, confirmed his death, celebrating him as a "true pioneer in the music industry," a "leader, an entrepreneur, and an incredibly talented songwriter."
Formed in Rotherham in 1989, Jive Bunny became famous for its distinctive musical style, which fused modern synthesizers and sampling with beloved hits from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. This innovative approach led to three UK number-one singles: "Swing The Mood," "That's What I Like," and "Let's Party."
The group, which also included Pickles' son Andrew and DJ Les Hemstock, secured an additional UK top 10 album, "Jive Bunny The Album," and five other top 10 hits. The Jive Bunny character, a cartoon rabbit featured in music videos and through costumed performers, became a recognizable symbol of their success. In December 2024, Mastermix released a new Jive Bunny production, "3, 6, 9."