Former Judas Priest drummer Dave Holland has died aged 69.
The musician had been living in Spain following his conviction for the attempted rape of a 17-year-old in 2004.
He is thought to have died at Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti in Lugo on the 16th January, but the cause of death has not been revealed.
A statement issued by the band said: “It is with regret that we hear of the passing of Dave Holland.”
They added: “Despite his actions since working with the band, his time with us was amongst the most productive and successful in the band’s career and Dave was an integral part of that and for that alone he will be missed.”
Former Judas Priest guitarist K.K Downing said: “It is with deep regret that I have to accept the sudden and unexpected news that Dave Holland has passed away.”
Echoing the band’s statements, Downing added: “Dave was a solid friend in life and solid musician both on the stage and in the studio; I will cherish the many gigs we played together and the albums that we made and I will always be grateful to the indelible contribution that Dave gave to Judas Priest.”
Born in Northampton in 1948, Holland played with Judas Priest between 1979 and 1989, following stints with Finders Keepers and Trapeze.