Hayes' former bandmates Clark Datchler and Mike Nocito shared an emotional tribute celebrating both the musician and the lasting legacy of the music they created together. Hayes co-founded Johnny Hates Jazz with Datchler and Nocito in 1986, helping launch one of the decade's most successful pop acts.
After an initial single failed to break through, the trio found worldwide success with "Shattered Dreams" in 1987. The song became an even bigger hit in the United States than in the UK, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was followed by the hits "I Don't Want to Be a Hero," "Turn Back the Clock" and "Heart of Gold," while the band's debut album, Turn Back the Clock, reached No. 1 in the UK and sold millions of copies worldwide.
In their Instagram statement, Datchler and Nocito said they were “utterly shocked and deeply saddened” by Hayes’ death, explaining that they chose to speak privately with friends and loved ones before making a public statement “to share our memories, express our emotions, and begin to come to terms with such a tragic loss.”
Reflecting on their years together, they wrote, "The three of us were brothers in arms for an extraordinary moment in time, one in which we managed to touch the world with the music we created together." They added that, despite Hayes no longer being part of the band, they knew he remained incredibly proud that their songs, particularly those from Turn Back the Clock, continue to resonate with so many people nearly 40 years later.
Following the band’s initial success, Datchler departed in 1988 to pursue a solo career, while Hayes and Nocito continued recording with singer Phil Thornalley. That chapter came to an abrupt end after Hayes suffered a devastating car accident that left him hospitalized for an extended period. He later reunited with the original lineup for live performances in 2010 before stepping away from the band once again. Beyond Johnny Hates Jazz, Hayes also performed with other artists, including Kim Wilde, and was the son of legendary producer Mickie Most, whose clients included The Animals, Herman’s Hermits, Suzi Quatro and Hot Chocolate.
