Classic Rock Bottom

ShowBizIreland, Getty ImagesShowBizIreland, Getty Images

Rick Parfitt, the longtime guitarist from British rock legends Status Quo has died. He was 68.

“We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at lunchtime today,” the band wrote on its Facebook page. “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.”



Read More: Rick Parfitt of Status Quo Dies | http://ultimateclassicrock.com/rick-parfitt-status-quo-dies/?trackb...

Parfitt had a recent history of health problems. In 2014, the final six dates on Status Quo’s European tour were canceled when he suffered a heart attack, his second, on his tour bus, which caused him to give up smoking and drinking. This past summer, he had another heart attack, during which he had to be brought back to life, and he was forced to stop touring with the group. He had planned on spending next year writing his autobiography and working on a solo record.

Born Oct. 12, 1948 in Woking, Surrey, England, Parfitt met guitarist Frances Rossi and bassist Alan Lancaster, who were in the Spectres, in 1964. He officially joined in 1967, just in time for them to go through a few name changes before settling on Status Quo, with keyboardist Roy Lynes and drummer John Coghlan rounding out the lineup.

Although primarily known in the U.S. for their 1968 hit “Pictures of Matchstick Men,” they had dozens of hits in the U.K., with the last coming in 2010. Despite numerous lineup changes, Rossi and Parfitt remained constant, with Lancaster and Coghlan returning for a pair of tours in 2013 and 2014. The last date they played together was released in 2014 as The Frantic Four’s Final Fling: Live at the Dublin 02 Arena.

He is survived by his wife Lyndsay and four children, Rick Jr., Harry, and twins Tommy and Lily. Parfitt and Rossi were awarded the OBE in 2010 for their contributions to British culture.




Views: 34

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Not really familiar with his or the band's work, but sad none the less.

Ya, sad, but have no idea about this band or their music, but I know they were big overseas for a good bit...

RIP. Yes, big overseas but not so much here. THought there was some Status Quo posted here awhile back.

They were big here, in the 70's and 80's, well even the 60's....and probably some of the 90's as well. In the 70's, that were a good little boogie-rockband. In the 80's, only Parfit and Franciss Rossi were the only ones back of the original band, and they did a lot of stupid cover-songs, with their boogiesound. I seem to remember, that they were stoned on drugs behind the stage of Live Aid at Wembley. Something like, Bob Geldorff was astuned that they actually could play the very first live-set, when they just minutes before had been unconscious. Their best song was Pictures Of Matchstick Men from 1967 imo. Great riff. I remember that one from the very early 70's. RIP.

RSS

Question Of The Week

CRB Features (Click photo to visit)

Birthdays

There are no birthdays today

CRB Staff Members

 

In Memory Of

Norma Jean Fox
(11/30/1945-9/7/2010)

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

Badge

Loading…

© 2024   Created by RJhog (Admin).   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service