Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at the age of 68 from a ‘severe infection’, after being admitted to hospital with a shoulder injury last Thursday.
News of his death spread after this official statement was released on the band’s Facebook page.
“We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at lunchtime today,” said his family in a statement. “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.”
They continued: “He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world”
Parfitt played with Status Quo for over fifty years until October 2016 when he decided to leave after a run of ill health. After recovering from a triple heart bypass in 1997, the decision to stop performing with his bandmate of five decades Francis Rossi, was made after he suffered a further heart attack in the summer of 2016.
Status Quo released over 100 singles – many of which were penned by Parfitt – and sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Their biggest hits were ‘Down, Down,’ ‘Whatever You Want’ and ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’.
Reports suggest Parfitt was planning to embark on a solo career in 2017.
His son and he world of music and entertainment has since come out in tribute of the late star:
I cannot describe the sadness I feel right now. To many he was a rockstar, to me he was simply 'Dad', and I loved him hugely. RIP Pappa Parf
— Rick Parfitt Jnr (@RickParfittJnr) December 24, 2016
Shocked and so sad to hear of the passing of Rick Parfitt. Hard to find words. You truly joyfully rocked our world. RIP dear buddy. Bri
— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) December 24, 2016
So now we've lost Rick Parfitt from the mighty Quo. Such sad news. #RIP
— Bob Harris (@WhisperingBob) December 24, 2016
Our condolences to the family and friends of Rick Parfitt of @Status_Quo R.I.P. Rick.
— The Who (@TheWho) December 24, 2016
Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Rick Parfitt. Total rock and roll legend. RIP xx
— Chris Wolstenholme (@CTWolstenholme) December 24, 2016
Very shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Rick Parfitt. RIP Rick.
— Chas And Dave (@chas_dave) December 24, 2016
RIP Rick Parfitt, one of the greats of British rock music. Thanks for the many unforgettable nights at the Hall with Status Quo pic.twitter.com/aieHPgjTM8
— Royal Albert Hall (@RoyalAlbertHall) December 24, 2016
The year in which the Status Quo has shifted in so many ways ends with the loss of Rick Parfitt. How terribly sad. #RIP
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 24, 2016
So sad to hear this. Rick Parfitt Rest In Peace https://t.co/ZdM9q7qy2q
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) December 24, 2016
Thinking back to my early-teens, buying a denim waistcoat. Because: the Quo. RIP Rick Parfitt…
— Ian Rankin (@Beathhigh) December 24, 2016
Status Quo's Rick Parfitt dies. Dreadfully sad. Lovely man. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. https://t.co/VsvXIAvu0c
— midge ure (@midgeure1) December 24, 2016
RIP you lovely man Rick Parfitt!
You rocked all around the world and back again!!
One of rocks great characters you will be missed!— Martin Kemp (@realmartinkemp) December 24, 2016
Status Quo formed in 1962, and toured and recorded up until this year – when they carried out a lengthy acoustic tour and released their 32nd album.