Status Quo bassist Alan Lancaster, 72, dies at home in Australia after MS battle

Virgin Radio

27 Sep 2021, 11:21

Such sad news as the guitar god and founding member of Status Quo Alan Lancaster has passed away following a battle with multiple sclerosis.

Close friend and entertainment reporter Craig Bennett wrote on Facebook: "At the request of his loving and deeply cherished family, am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of iconic band, Status Quo. Alan Lancaster passed away this morning at his Sydney home, surrounded by family. Alan had been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis. He was 72.

"Status Quo began Rockin’ All Over The World in 1967. The legendary band amassed decades of hit songs, including Down Down and Whatever You Want. Alan married his beautiful wife Dayle Lancaster in 1978. They met when Alan and Status Quo, along with Slade and Lindisfarne, toured Australia in 1973. Alan, who was a dear and special friend, is survived by Dayle, his children Alan Jr, Toni and David, plus five grandchildren. Dayle said this morning that Alan loved his life in Australia.

"His mother and father, plus his brother and sister also moved to Australia. Dayle said: ‘we are all heartbroken. 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.’

"Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours in the UK & Europe in 2013 & 2014. He bravely played to thousands of adoring fans... and loved being back with the band and his loyal Quo army. Vale to an absolute legend and one of the nicest people in rock and roll."

The Peckham-born musician had been living in Australia for 45 year and formed Scorpions - later changed to Status Quo - in 1962 with former schoolmate and singer Francis Rossi.

The Status Quo singer Rossi said in a statement: “I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. We were friends and colleagues for many years and achieved fantastic success together as the Frantic Four alongside Rick Parfitt and John Coghlan. Alan was an integral part of the sound and the enormous success of Status Quo during the 60s and 70s.

“Although it is well documented that we were estranged in recent years, I will always have very fond memories of our early days together and my condolences go to [his wife] Dayle and Alan’s family.”

Status Quo’s manager, Simon Porter, said: “This is such sad news and my sincere condolences go out to Dayle and the family. “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to reunite the original line-up for two sellout tours in 2013-2014 and to give Status Quo Frantic Four fans a final legacy and such a lasting memory.

“Although Alan was not in the best of health even then, he got through the tours with determination and grit and was a pleasure to work with.”

RIP Alan.