STATUS Quo bassist Alan Lancaster has died aged 72 after battling multiple sclerosis.
Lancaster’s close pal and entertainment reporter Craig Bennett confirmed the news of his death on Facebook.
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Bennett wrote: “[I] am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of the 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.”
Lancaster was born in Peckham, London, in 1949.
He formed a band in 1962 with his then-schoolmate, Francis Rossi, who became the singer.
Along with two other classmates, they formed a group known as Scorpions which was later renamed Status Quo.
Rossi and guitarist Rick Parfitt — who died in 2016 — launched their hit-making career with the release of Pictures of Matchstick Men.
From there, Lancaster performed with the group until 1985, appearing on 15 albums.
Status Quo enjoyed more than 60 Top 40 hits in the UK and had 25 UK Top 10 albums.
They released over 100 singles, including hit songs such as Down Down and Whatever You Want.
Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours
Craig Bennett
His last album with the band was 1983’s Back To Back.
But 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.
Lancaster leaves behind his wife Dayle Lancaster.
He married her in 1978 and had children Alan Jr and David and then five grandkids.
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Lancaster had been living in Australia for 45 years. He moved there in the 1980s.
Here he formed The Bombers with The Angels’ guitarist John Brewster.
He was also a member of the Australian supergroup The Party Boys.
In 1987 he had success with covers of rock band Argent’s Hold Your Head Up and John Kongos’ He’s Gonna Step On You Again.
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