December 10, 2011 13:24

Willie Nelson's bassist Dan 'Bee' Spears dies aged 62

Musician died unexpectedly after falling from his motor home

Photo: PA Photos

Dan 'Bee' Spears, bass player for Willie Nelson for more than 40 years, has died aged 62.

Spears, who appeared on many of Nelson's albums, was found dead on Thursday night (December 8).

Texas television station KXAN reports Spears slipped and fell after stepping out of his motor home in Nashville, and died due to exposure.

A statement on Nelson's website reads: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Family member Dan 'Bee' Spears, long time friend and bassist for Willie Nelson and Family.

"We are still in shock and gathering details as the day continues. He apparently died of accidental exposure at his property near Nashville, Tenn."

Spears grew up in a musical family outside San Antonio, Texas, and was hired by Nelson in 1968, when he was just 19.

Spears played on key Nelson albums including 'The Troublemaker', 'Shotgun Willie' and 'Phases And Stages'.

Talking of his role in Nelson's band, Spears once said: "Willie is all over the place with his vocal phrasing.

"He'll take you up a creek and dump you in a minute. My main role in the band is to make sure he knows where the 'one' is, so he can come back to it."

Spears also toured with country artists including Waylon Jennings and Guy Clark.

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