Johnny Elichaoff: Life, Career, Family, and Tragic Death Explained

Johnny Elichaoff was a British musician, band manager, entrepreneur, and television personality whose life spanned multiple industries and extremes. From performing as a touring rock drummer to managing major bands, serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, entering high-risk business ventures, and later appearing on Channel 4’s Four Rooms, Elichaoff lived a life defined by reinvention.

Public interest in Johnny Elichaoff remains strong due to his marriage to television personality Trinny Woodall, his involvement with iconic music acts, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death in 2014. Because misinformation and speculation frequently circulate online, this article presents a fact-based, verified account of his life, career, and legacy.

Profile Bio: Johnny Elichaoff

Personal Detail	Information
Full Name	Jonathan Chaim Elichaoff
Known As	Johnny Elichaoff
Nickname	Johnny Too Bad
Date of Birth	March 30, 1959
Place of Birth	London, England
Date of Death	November 12, 2014
Age at Death	55
Nationality	British
Occupations	Drummer, Music Manager, Businessman, Financial Adviser, TV Personality
Known For	Touring with U2 & Siouxsie Sioux, Managing Tears for Fears, Four Rooms
Parents	Michael Elichaoff, Betty Elichaoff
Siblings	Debbie Elichaoff, Lisa Elichaoff
First Wife	Camilla Elizabeth St Aubyn (1988–1997)
Second Wife	Trinny Woodall (1999–2009)
Children	Zak Elichaoff, Lyla Elichaoff
Cause of Death	Suicide (confirmed by coroner)

Who Was Johnny Elichaoff?

Johnny Elichaoff was a multifaceted figure known for his work in music, business, and television. He first gained recognition in the 1980s as a professional drummer, touring internationally with respected artists including U2, Siouxsie Sioux, and Robert Fripp. Performing under the name “Johnny Too Bad,” he became known for his energy and discipline as a live musician.

Later in life, he transitioned into band management, financial consulting, and entrepreneurship. His appearance as a dealer on Channel 4’s Four Rooms introduced him to a wider television audience. Despite professional success, his life was marked by long-term health issues, financial instability, and mental health struggles that ultimately led to his tragic death.

Early Life and Background

Johnny Elichaoff was born on March 30, 1959, in London, England. He grew up in a stable household with his parents, Michael and Betty Elichaoff, alongside his sisters Debbie and Lisa. His father worked as a banker and furrier, providing financial stability, while his mother focused on raising the family.

Growing up in London during a period of rapid musical evolution, Johnny was heavily influenced by the rise of punk, post-punk, and new wave music. These cultural shifts played a key role in shaping his early passion for drumming and performance.

Music Career: From Drummer to Touring Musician

Elichaoff began drumming seriously as a teenager and quickly developed a reputation for technical skill and stage presence. He became a member of Stark Naked and the Car Thieves, touring extensively and gaining industry credibility.

Under the stage name Johnny Too Bad, he went on to perform with:

U2
Siouxsie Sioux
Baby and the Black Spots
Robert Fripp’s League of Gentlemen

His professionalism and adaptability made him a sought-after touring musician during the early 1980s British rock scene.

Military Service in the Israeli Defense Forces

In 1984, Johnny made an unexpected decision to step away from music and serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). He completed approximately two years of service.

While details of his military role remain private, this period is widely regarded as a turning point in his life. Friends and associates later noted that the discipline and structure he gained during service influenced his later career choices and leadership style.

Transition to Band Management

After returning to the UK, Elichaoff shifted his focus from performing to managing artists. He became manager of Tears for Fears, one of Britain’s most successful bands of the era, and later Fairground Attraction.

His firsthand experience as a touring musician gave him credibility and insight, allowing him to effectively guide artists through the commercial and logistical challenges of success.

Business Career and Investments

By the late 1980s and 1990s, Johnny expanded into business and finance. He worked as a financial adviser, specialising in life insurance and inheritance tax planning, and invested in several ventures including:

Property development
Restaurants
Oil exploration projects

While some ventures were initially successful, high-risk investments later contributed to serious financial losses.

Television Career: Four Rooms

Johnny Elichaoff became a recognizable television figure as a dealer on Channel 4’s Four Rooms, where he negotiated the purchase of antiques and collectibles. His confident demeanor, sharp negotiation skills, and direct style made him a memorable presence on the show.

Personal Life and First Marriage

In 1988, Johnny married Camilla Elizabeth St Aubyn, with whom he had a son, Zak Elichaoff, born in 1993. The couple divorced in 1997 but maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship.

Marriage to Trinny Woodall

Johnny married television presenter and fashion expert Trinny Woodall in 1999. The couple faced fertility challenges, undergoing nine rounds of IVF and experiencing two miscarriages before welcoming their daughter, Lyla, in 2003.

They separated in 2008 and divorced in 2009 but remained on amicable terms, particularly regarding parenting.

Children and Family Relationships

Johnny maintained strong bonds with both Zak and Lyla. Trinny Woodall publicly described him as a loving, supportive, and devoted father. Family remained a central part of his identity throughout his life.

Chronic Pain, Health Struggles, and Addiction

A serious motorcycle accident in his thirties resulted in lasting injuries and more than twenty surgeries. Chronic pain led to long-term dependence on prescription pain medication, which significantly affected his mental health.

Financial Difficulties

In his final years, Elichaoff suffered heavy financial losses linked to failed oil investments. He pursued legal action to recover millions and experienced bankruptcy, compounding his stress alongside health issues.

Events Leading to His Death

In October and November 2014, Johnny was repeatedly seen on the roof of Whiteleys Shopping Centre in London. He was briefly detained under the Mental Health Act on October 27, 2014, due to concerns for his safety.

He died on November 12, 2014, aged 55.

Cause of Death: Coroner’s Inquest

A coroner’s inquest confirmed Johnny Elichaoff died by suicide. Chronic pain, depression, financial stress, and prescription medication were listed as contributing factors. No foul play was found.

Public Reaction and Tributes

More than 800 people attended his funeral. Tributes described him as charismatic, generous, humorous, and deeply loved. His death prompted wider discussions on mental health and chronic pain.

Legacy and Public Memory

Johnny Elichaoff is remembered as a versatile and driven individual whose life crossed music, business, and television. His legacy also includes his devotion as a father and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

Johnny Elichaoff Net Worth

There is no verified public record of Johnny Elichaoff’s net worth at the time of his death. Due to bankruptcies and unresolved financial disputes, online estimates should be treated as unreliable.

Final Words

Johnny Elichaoff lived a complex and ambitious life marked by creativity, reinvention, and resilience. While his journey ended tragically, his contributions to music, business, and television—and his dedication to family—continue to define his legacy.

FAQs About Johnny Elichaoff

Who was Johnny Elichaoff?

A British drummer, music manager, businessman, and TV personality.

How did Johnny Elichaoff die?

He died by suicide on November 12, 2014, as confirmed by a coroner’s inquest.

Was Johnny Elichaoff married to Trinny Woodall?

Yes, from 1999 to 2009.

Did Johnny Elichaoff have children?

Yes, two—Zak and Lyla Elichaoff.

What was he best known for?

Touring with major rock acts, managing successful bands, and appearing on Four Rooms.