Lionel Richie has led tributes to former Commodores bandmate and “dear brother” Ronald LaPread following his death aged 75.
The co-founding member of the funk and soul group died in New Zealand last week.
LaPread was a member of the band from 1970 to 1986.
Paying tribute, the band’s former co-lead singer Lionel Richie wrote on Instagram: “Pread, You will be missed my dear brother. What a ride!!”
He also shared photos of them together, as well as lyrics to their 1977 song Zoom.
Announcing his death, LaPread’s daughter Soraya LaPread said she was “devastated”.
Writing on her Instagram stories, she said: “A piece of me is gone from this world. I have never felt a pain so deep in my life. It’s because he loved me so unconditionally and so deeply that the loss in indescribable.
“Please pray for my dad to be in the highest heaven. Do as he did and be kind to each other.”
The Commodores signed with Motown in 1972, after first gaining attention opening for the Jackson 5 while on tour.
The band’s official page also shared a statement, which read: “Today we mourn the loss of our brother, friend, and original bassist, Ronald LaPread.
“Ronald was a phenomenal musician, an accomplished songwriter, and a vital part of The Commodores’ sound and success. His contributions to our music and his friendship enriched our lives beyond measure. We were grateful to perform with him again last fall in New Zealand.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Farrah, his children Ronald Jr and Soraya, and all who loved him. His legacy lives on through the music he helped create and the countless people he inspired. Rest easy, Ronald. You will always be a Commodore.”
LaPread, who spent the last 40 years living in New Zealand, helped form the R&B group in 1968 alongside Richie, Walter Orange, William King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary.
They had all met while attending the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Some of the band’s biggest hits include Easy, Three Times A Lady and Nightshift.
They have sold more than 70 million albums worldwide and have won one Grammy.
LaPread left the Commodores in 1986 and emigrated to Auckland after meeting and falling in love with a woman he met on a flight between Australia and New Zealand.
In recent years he reunited with the band when they toured New Zealand.
He also attended the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards on Friday night.
