Legendary musician Alan Lancaster has tragically died at age 72. The founding member and Status Quo bassist sadly lost his battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
The tragic news was confirmed by Lancaster’s friend Craig Bennett, Bennett spoke on behalf of Lancaster’s family in a statement released. The statement announced Lancaster’s death whilst celebrating his musical influence and the artist’s resilience. “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.”
Bennett also shared a second statement within Social Media, the statement further describes Lancaster’s musical legacy whilst recounting his personal life.
Born on 7th February 1949 Lancaster is best known for founding English classic rock group Status Quo, the group was formed in 1962 and underwent some name and line-up alterations until becoming Status Quo in 1969. The original group, named The Scorpions, were founded by Lancaster and lead singer Francis Rossi whilst the two were in school where the duo met in the School’s orchestra.
Lancaster left the group in 1985 but his departure was not permanent as he reunited with the group in 2013 and 2014, even though his illness caused him difficulties. Lancaster played on 15 of the band’s albums and was a songwriter in the group, performing as the lead vocalist on various albums and live shows. Lancaster can be heard taking the lead on tracks such as “Bye Bye Johnny”, “High Flyer”, “Backwater” and the Doors cover “Roadhouse Blues”. Lancaster’s last studio album with the group was the 1983 release Back to Back.
After his departure from Status Quo, Lancaster joined the Australian band The Party Boys in 1987. In the same year Lancaster co-produced the band’s first studio self-titled album, the single “He’s Gonna Step on You Again” achieved success within the Australian charts. Lancaster later formed the group The Bombers in 1988, the group were signed to record label A&M Records but were later sold to another label. The group originally included the initial drummer from Status Quo, John Coghlan, Coghlan left Status Quo after 14 albums until a reunion show in 2012. The Bombers would go on to support big acts such as Alice Cooper, Skid Row and Cheap Trick on their Australian tours. After the group disbanded Lancaster formed his own project, Alan Lancaster’s Bombers, the group released a record and toured before disbanding. Lancaster’s other solo work includes the theme song for the 1985 film Indecent Obsession and producing responsibilities for classical musician Roger Woodward.
Status Quo hold over 60 UK chart hits, with 22 of the releases positioning within the top 10 in the UK singles charts. The group have released over 100 singles and 33 albums, 25 of their albums have charted within the top 10 in the UK. The measure of the band’s success also extends to their legendary live performances, Status Quo opened now legendary live concert Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in July 1985 with one of their best-known hits, “Rockin’ All Over the World”, the performance marked Lancaster’s final live show as a permanent band member. The group would go on to win a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1991 for their success and influence within the music industry.
Dayle Lancaster, Lancaster’s wife of 43 years, also spoke on the tragic news. She expressed how his family were “Heartbroken”. Dayle spoke through Bennett, “Alan had a wonderful wit and a fabulously dry sense of humour. He was a devoted and adoring husband, father and grandfather, Family was always his focus.” Lancaster has been survived by his wife, children and grandchildren as well as his musical influence.
