Rick Parfitt, the rhythm guitarist and singer for Status Quo, has passed away. He was 68.
The musician had suffered a number of health issues through the years, and had undergo a quadruple heart bypass in 1997. During the summer of 2016, Parfitt suffered a heart attack and announced in October that he would no longer tour with the band.
Parfitt died in hospital following a severe infection, following complications from a shoulder injury. A number of musicians and celebrities tweeted their condolences.
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
RIP Rick Parfitt. Deepest condolences to Rick's family, Francis Rossi, Simon Porter and all the members of @Status_Quo pic.twitter.com/XGBtOLp8Ue
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) December 24, 2016
Gutted to hear of the death of Rick Parfitt from Status Quo. Quo were a huge part of my teenage years. Saw them live many times.
— Rory Cowan (@1rorycowan) December 24, 2016
Parfitt is survived by his wife Lyndsay, their twins Tommy and Lily and his adult children Rick Jnr and Harry.