Guitarist/vocalist Rick Parfitt has passed away at the age of 68.

The Parfitt family and Status Quo manager, Simon Porter, have released the following in a joint statement:

“We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at lunchtime today.

“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.

“He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world, gained through 50 years of monumental success with Status Quo.

“Rick is survived by his wife Lyndsay, their twins Tommy and Lily and Rick’s adult children Rick Jnr and Harry.

On behalf of all of AudioVein, we send our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Rick Parfitt was born in Woking, Surrey, England in 1948. He was a part of the band from 1967 until his recent passing.

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