Alan Lancaster: Status Quo bassist and founding member has died aged 72 after multiple sclerosis battle

Status Quo bassist and founding member of the legendary rock band Alan Lancaster has died at the age of 72.

The musician died at his home in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by his family.

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The 72-year-old is said to have been battling with Multiple Sclerosis, a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, before he passed away.

‘A dear and special friend’

The sad news of his death was confirmed by close friend Craig Bennet in a post shared to Facebook at the request of his family.

In a statement, Bennett wrote: “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.”

The bassist was one of the original members of the rock band, alongside front man Francis Rossi and guitarist Rick Parfitt, who died in 2016.

Lancaster featured on 15 Status Quo albums until 1985, including the band’s most famous hits Whatever You Want and Down Down.

In 2013, he reunited with Rossi, Parfitt and John Coghaln for a UK tour and performed his final show as a member in 2014.

Lancaster leaves behind his wife Dayle Lancaster, children Alan Jr and David, and five grandchildren.

Ms Dayle paid tribute to her husband in Bennett’s statement. He wrote: “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.”

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