British rock legend Dave Mason, who co-founded the group Traffic and was briefly a member of Fleetwood Mac, has died aged 79.
The legendary musician, who had struggled with a heart condition, passed away at his home in Nevada on Sunday.
"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason,” his family said in a statement.
“On Sunday, April 19, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated songwriter, musician, singer, and author, passed away peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, NV.
“Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.”
Further details about the guitarist and songwriter’s “peaceful” final moments were shared in an emotional message on his Instagram.
“On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the maltese) at his feet,” it read.
“He passed away peacefully, in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much.’
“A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end.”
The statement concluded: “He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever.”
US songwriter Stephen Bishop, known for hits including On And On and It Might Be You, paid tribute to Mason on Instagram, writing: “I am very sorry to hear about the passing of my friend Dave Mason.
“We did a show together back in the early 70s, and I remember how incredibly talented he was.
“I was always a fan of his early work with Traffic. I especially love his song Only You Know And I Know. We stayed in touch through the years, and he was always kind to me and an incredible guitar player.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans.”
While Mason’s cause of death has not been revealed, he had previously suffered from heart issues.
He was admitted to hospital in 2024 for an “urgent heart condition”.
“We are sorry to inform you Dave Mason has a serious heart condition detected in a routine appointment that requires immediate attention,” organisers said at the time.
“His team of doctors has advised against all tour activity and therefore we have cancelled his Fall tour.”
They said they were “expecting a successful recovery from heart surgery” and he was expected to resume touring in 2025.
Mason added: “I’m heartbroken to have to cancel these dates, but it’s doctor’s orders. I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025.”
However, in June 2025, he had to cancel all new tour dates after struggling with a “severe infection” he had contracted three months earlier.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my team of doctors—this has been challenging territory, to say the least,” he penned at the time.
“A heartfelt thank you to all the fans, and to my family, band, agents, and the venues who’ve waited patiently and supported me throughout this journey.
“Your kind messages have lifted my spirits more than words can express.Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep.”
Mason co-founded British rock band Traffic in 1967, alongside frontman Steve Winwood, drummer Jim Capaldi and flute-turned-saxophone player Chris Wood.
The Worcester-born star was 18 when they formed and he appeared on the group’s first two albums – Mr Fantasy and Traffic.
They began as a psychedelic rock group before incorporating jazz and improvisational techniques into their music.
He penned the band’s hit Feelin’ Alright?, later re-recorded by stars including Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night and The Jackson 5.
He left the group shortly after that release and pursued a solo career alongside working with artists like George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Wings, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash and Fleetwood Mac.
He also collaborated with his former Traffic bandmate Steve Winwood. Traffic was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
