You probably know the voice. That smooth, slightly desperate plea in "Baby Come Back" that defined the late '70s and basically invented the soul of yacht rock. But honestly, if you've been looking for where is Peter Beckett now, you might be confused. Why? Because there are actually two very different men with that exact name who have dominated the headlines recently for wildly different reasons.
One is a rock legend still hitting the high notes on tour. The other was a former New Zealand politician who became the subject of a massive true-crime saga in Canada.
Let's clear the air right away.
The Rock Star: Peter Beckett’s Player 2026 Tour
If you’re a fan of the band Player, the good news is that Peter Beckett is very much active and still performing. He hasn't disappeared into the sunset. In fact, he’s currently gearing up for a series of shows in 2026.
It’s kinda interesting how he’s managed to keep the legacy alive. After years of legal back-and-forth with former bandmate Ronn Moss over the "Player" name, they basically settled on a "brand sharing" agreement. That’s why you’ll see him billed specifically as Peter Beckett’s Player. It keeps the lawyers happy and the fans informed.
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Where you can see him
He’s mostly touring the nostalgia and "Yacht Rock" circuits. You’ve probably seen him on those massive "Ambrosia and Friends" lineups. Specifically, for 2026, he’s already locked in for a show at the Goodyear Theater in Akron, Ohio, on April 17.
He still sounds remarkably like he did in 1977. He isn't just a legacy act, though; he’s been involved in "Yacht Rock Wines" and continues to write. He’s the guy who wrote for Olivia Newton-John and Kenny Rogers, so the guy's got pedigree.
The Other Peter Beckett: A Tragic Update
Now, if you were searching for the Peter Beckett involved in the high-profile Canadian murder trial—the former Napier City Councillor from New Zealand—the story is much darker and has a definitive ending.
For years, this Peter Beckett was in the news because of the death of his wife, Laura Letts-Beckett, who drowned in a Canadian lake in 2010. He spent nearly a decade in prison after being convicted of murder. However, in 2020, his conviction was overturned due to procedural errors. He became a free man because the prosecution decided not to pursue a third trial.
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Life in Central America and Recent Passing
After his release, this Peter Beckett didn't return to New Zealand. He headed for the tropics. He bought a Leopard 47 catamaran and started a nomadic life sailing around Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala.
Basically, he wanted a fresh start. He even appeared in a recent Amazon docuseries called In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery, which brought his case back into the global spotlight in late 2024 and early 2025.
But here is the update most people are looking for: Peter Beckett passed away in early 2025.
Reports from the NZ Herald confirmed he died in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. He had been battling a severe leg infection that led to fatal complications. He was living as a bit of an "outcast" on his boat, searching for a new partner to sail with, but his health unfortunately gave out before he could find that next chapter.
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Why the Confusion Still Happens
Google is a bit of a mess when it comes to these two. You’ll find a concert listing for the musician right next to a documentary about the murder trial.
- The Musician: British-born, Los Angeles-based, still touring in 2026.
- The Politician: New Zealand-born, former Canadian prisoner, died in Guatemala in February 2025.
It’s a bizarre coincidence of names, but the "Baby Come Back" singer is the one you’ll see on stage this year.
What’s Next for Fans of the Music?
If you're here for the music, the focus is on the 2026 tour dates. Peter Beckett’s Player is part of a growing movement of people reclaiming the "Soft Rock" era as something more than just kitsch.
- Check the Tour Dates: Keep an eye on sites like Ticketmaster or JamBase. The Akron show is the big one currently on the books for April 2026, but more dates usually pop up around the summer festival season.
- The Docuseries: If you’re interested in the other Beckett, watch In Cold Water on Amazon Prime. It’s a fascinating, albeit heavy, look at the legal system.
- Listen to the Deep Cuts: Beyond the hits, Beckett’s solo album Beckett is actually a hidden gem for anyone who likes that late '80s AOR sound.
Knowing which Peter Beckett is which helps avoid a lot of awkward conversations. One is a survivor of the 70s rock scene heading to Ohio; the other’s story ended on a catamaran in Guatemala.