Alan Lancaster, founding bass guitarist of UK rock band Status Quo, has died over the weekend following a hefty battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was aged 72.
He died earlier today in his home in Sydney. He was surrounded by his close family.
Craig Bennett, who is an entertainment reporter and close friend of Lancaster’s, paid tribute to his friend on social media, at the request of the late bassist’s family.
“[I] am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of iconic band, Status Quo,” he wrote.
“Alan married his beautiful wife Dayle Lancaster in 1978. They met when Alan and Status Quo, along with Slade and Lindisfarne, toured Australia in 1973.
“Alan, who was a dear and special friend, is survived by Dayle, his children Alan Jr, Toni and David, plus five grandchildren.
“Dayle said this morning that Alan loved his life in Australia. His mother and father, plus his brother and sister also moved to Australia. 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’.
“Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours in the UK & Europe in 2013 and 2014. He bravely played to thousands of adoring fans … and loved being back with the band and his loyal Quo army.
“Vale to an absolute legend and one of the nicest people in rock and roll.”
Status Quo was founded in 1962, with Lancaster linking up with his friend Francis Rossi to form the basis of the group. Seven years later, Rick Parfitt joined the band.
In 1968, the band would go on to release their first hit single ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’, which climbed to number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
Over the years, the band performed a formidable amount of shows, including at 1985’s historical Live Aid Concert.
Lancaster left the band after Live Aid to move to Australia, where he would in 1987 join Aussie band The Party Boys, and then in 1988, found The Bombers.
Lancaster returned to the stage with Status Quo in 2013 for a tour of the UK. His last show with the band was in Dublin in 2014.
He is the second original member of Status Quo to pass away, with Parfitt dying in 2016 after suffering a severe infection. He was 68.
Read Craig Bennett’s full post below.
