Status Quo bassist Alan Lancaster has died aged 72 following a battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Mr Lancaster’s friend, entertainment reporter Craig Bennett, confirmed the news of his death on Facebook.
Bennett wrote: “[I] am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of iconic band, Status Quo,
“Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours… He bravely played to thousands of adoring fans..and loved being back with the band and his loyal Quo army.”
Mr Lancaster died in Sydney, Australia, where he has been living for 45 years.
He is survived by his wife, Dayle, whom he met on tour with Status Quo in Australia in 1973, their children, Alan, Toni and David, and five grandchildren.
Lancaster formed Status Quo in 1962 with his then-schoolmate, Francis Rossi.
Lancaster appeared on 15 Status Quo albums until 1985 and played on classic tracks Whatever You Want and Down Down.
His final performance as a full-time member of Status Quo was at Wembley Stadium in July 1985 for the opening of Live Aid.
In March 2013 he collaborated with his old bandmates for a series of “Frantic Four” concerts in Britain.
In a statement his widow Dayle said: “We are all heartbroken. Alan had a wonderful wit and a fabulously dry sense of humour.
He was a devoted and adoring husband, father and grandfather. Family was always his focus.”
