Status Quo’s Rick Parfitt has died in a hospital in Spain at the age of 68.
The band’s manager confirmed the sad news this Christmas Eve – two days after the guitarist was admitted for treatment following complications with a shoulder injury.
“We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at lunchtime today,” reads a statement issued by his manager on behalf of the family.
“He died in hospital in Marbella, Spain, as a result of a severe infection, having been admitted to hospital on Thursday evening following complications to a shoulder injury incurred by a previous fall.
“This tragic news comes at a time when Rick was hugely looking forward to launching a solo career with an album and autobiography planned for 2017 following his departure from Status Quo’s touring activities on medical advice.
“He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world, gained through 50 years of monumental success with Status Quo.
“No further comment will be made at this time and Rick’s family, and the band, ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”
The rock legend has endured a series of health problems over the years, including having to undergo a quadruple heart bypass in 1997, and a throat cancer scare.
In October this year announced that he would no longer be performing with the Quo after suffering from a heart attack in the summer, following a performance in Turkey in June.
Born in Woking, Surrey, Parfitt was a member of the British band for almost 50 years and co-wrote some of their most memorable hits with the group’s keyboard player Andy Bown, including Whatever You Want, Again and Again, and Rain.
He is survived by his wife Lyndsay, their twins Tommy and Lily, and Rick’s adult children Rick Jr. and Harry.