Status Quo guitarist Rick Parffit dead at 68 after star passes away in Spanish hospital
The rock legend passed away in a hospital in Spain, the band's manager Simon Porter said
STATUS Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has died aged 68 after falling ill with a serious infection.
The rock legend passed away in a hospital in Spain, the band's manager Simon Porter said.
Parfitt is understood to have picked up the infection during his stay in the hospital, according to the Daily Mirror.
A statement from his manager said: "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.
"No further comment will be made at this time and Rick's family, and the band, ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time."
His racing driver son, Rick Parfitt Jnr, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: "I cannot describe the sadness I feel right now. To many he was a rockstar, to me he was simply 'Dad', and I loved him hugely. RIP Pappa Parf."
Rick, who was due to launch a solo career, had been recovering in Marbella, Spain after suffering a third heart attack in June, which left him with "mild cognitive impairments".
Tributes have began pouring in online for the guitar legend, who was born in Woking, Surrey.
Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: "The year in which the Status Quo has shifted in so many ways ends with the loss of Rick Parfitt. How terribly sad. #RIP"
Queen's Brian May said: "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."
Bob Harris added: "So now we've lost Rick Parfitt from the mighty Quo. Such sad news. #RIP."
Peter Frampton said: "So sad to hear this. Rick Parfitt Rest In Peace", and Piers Morgan said: "RIP Rick Parfitt, 68. Status Quo rock star & great guy. 2016 claims another music legend."
Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp wrote: "RIP you lovely man Rick Parfitt! You rocked all around the world and back again!! One of rock's great characters you will be missed!"
It comes just a month after his bandmate Francis Rossi described the shocking moment he watched Rick "die" after suffering a heart attack on stage.
He said: "I saw him lying there and what they were doing to him and I thought 'Oh s***'.
"They were pumping his chest with so much effort his arms were flailing. He was gone.
"I almost said, 'Oh leave him alone'. I wouldn't want people doing that to me. But it wasn't my call.
"It could be seen as one partner trying to bump the other partner off."
Rick announced he would no longer perform with the band after suffering a third heart attack in June.
It came after years of health concerns while playing with the band, who finished a tour in Liverpool last night.
Just days ago the Status Quo legend told how he was "saved" by a doner kebab when he suffered a heart attack on tour last year.
The 68-year-old rocker had returned to his hotel room in Antalya, Turkey, last June after becoming unwell.
The rest of the band ditched their usual fish sushi and instead munched on dodgy doner kebabs, which left PA Lyane Ngan rushing out of the room feeling sick.
As she raced back to her room, she found Parfitt’s door ajar and discovered him lying on the floor after suffering a massive heart attack.
She raised the alarm and paramedics saved the guitarist’s life after he ‘died’ for three minutes while they were treating him in the hotel room.
Rick admitted he was wary of ever returning to the stage at all after his health scare.
He told at the time: “I’m just aware of the nervousness I get before I go on stage. It does pump your heart slightly when you start to pace up and down the room, and you’re about to go in front of thousands of people. Obviously it’s going to have some effect on you.
“I do not want to tax myself in any way. I’ve been told medically not to. So whether it’s a full gig or a cameo I’d still get fairly nervous and I do not want to get out on stage and drop dead in front of the fans. I do not want to do that.”
He first suffered a quadruple heart bypass in 1997 after touring with the band for decades, during which time he had weathered drink and drug problems.
Matt Willis, of Busted fame, wrote: "Goodbye Rick Parfitt. The first ever show I saw was Status Quo at Wembley. I'll never forget it!"
Muse bassist Chris Wolstenholme wrote: "Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Rick Parfitt. Total rock and roll legend. RIP xx."
TV star Carol Vorderman said: "RIP #RickParfitt.....it was always a pleasure to be in your company... X."
Drummer Jeff Rich, who played in Status Quo with Parfitt for 16 years, said he was "just a really good musician, very under-rated, great rhythm player", but his health problems were "a big issue for him".
"I'm sure he wanted to give his all on stage and eventually he just couldn't do it any more," he told the BBC.
Status Quo superfan and secretary of the band's official fan club Yvonne Hanvey said: "It's just absolutely devastating.
"We knew it would happen at some point. It does with everybody obviously, but Rick was almost invincible.
"He believed he was invincible. And this is just absolutely unbelievable."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368