Who was Jock McDonald? All about Punk musician as he dies in a swimming accident at 69

Jock McDonald, the singer who started the punk band The Bollock Brothers, has died at age 69 in what has been called a "freak swimming accident."

As per the reports by The Sun, the news came from the band’s drummer, Pat Pattyn, who shared the news on social media. Jock was pulled from the sea by the RNLI at Bundoran, County Donegal, and taken to Sligo University Hospital. He was later pronounced dead.

Pat Pattyn said the singer’s children asked him to share the news. He said:

"It is with great sadness in my heart,I have to bring you this terrible news...sadly, our singer Jock McDonald has died last night in Ireland, apparently a freak swimming accident...his children asked me to tell you all via this way...his family and all the Bollock Brothers are in shock...we are going to try and give this a place, but that won't be easy..."

Jock McDonald's early life and music career

Jock McDonald was born Patrick O’Donnell. He spent his early years between Donegal in Ireland and Clydebank in Scotland, and moved to London in the late 1970s to be in the punk scene. He met and worked alongside members of The Clash and the Sex Pistols.

In 1979, he formed The Bollock Brothers. They got famous for a bold English cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s French song, Harley David (Son of a B*tch). They also did a version of Alex Harvey’s Faith Healer. These songs gave them fame in punk and alternative circles. The band made many records, and they put out nine studio albums, live albums, and many singles. They were active in many parts of Europe, especially Belgium, Germany, and France.

Band members changed over time, but Jock was always at the front. He also made bold moves like an electro version of the Sex Pistols’ album, Never Mind The Bollocks, featuring Michael Fagan, who once sneaked into the Queen’s bedroom at Buckingham Palace.

How did Jock McDonald pass away?

The reported by The Independent, Jock McDonald passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, while swimming near the diving boards at Bundoran beach in County Donegal. Volunteers from the RNLI rescued and took him to Sligo University Hospital, where he died a short time later.

Jock’s brother, Gerry O’Donnell, said:

"He was more than a brother to me. I’m heartbroken but if he had to be taken then for him it would have been Donegal with our mum and Dad."

At the time of his death, Jock had been working on a new album and single. He had planned to tour Europe in a few weeks. Sadly, those plans ended suddenly. His impact on punk music is still talked about. McDonald brought energy, satire, and bold covers to the scene. He also mixed punk with electro and club culture, and remained active for decades.

Jock McDonald was known for his wild spirit and bold ideas. He was more than a singer. He was a promoter, stunt‑maker, and storyteller who pushed against picky labels and stood up to prejudice, bringing Irish punk energy to London.

McDonald leaves behind a legacy of music and bold energy. He died far from home but in a place he loved. Now, fans and friends remember him not just for what he made, but how he lived.

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