Uriah Heep keyboard player Ken Hesley has died aged 75, his heartbroken family has confirmed.
Ken's brother Trevor shared the sad news in a Facebook post on Thursday, revealing that he passed away suddenly yesterday.
The musician was progressive rock band Uriah Heep's keyboard player from 1970 to 1980.
Trevor confirmed that Ken had passed away peacefully with his family by his side and a private funeral will be held for him in Spain.
The post said: "I am writing this with a heavy heart to let you know that my brother Ken Hensley passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening.
"His beautiful wife Monica was at his side and comforted Ken in his last few minutes with us.
"We are all devastated by this tragic and incredibly unexpected loss and ask that you please give us some space and time to come to terms with it.
"Ken will be cremated in a private ceremony in Spain so please don't ask for information about a funeral.
"Ken has gone but he will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.
"Stay safe out there."
Ken was born Born Kenneth William David Hensley in London on August 24 1945.
He joined guitarist Mick Box and singer David Byron in the band when it was called Spice in 1970.
Ken wrote or co-wrote the majority of Uriah Heep's songs until he left the band in 1980.
His songwriting credits include the tracks Easy Livin’, Stealin’, Lady In Black and Free Me.
He also played with the bands Blackfoot and W.A.S.P. and had his own band, the Ken Hensley Band.
Ken had been working on a solo project when he died.
For the last few years of his life he had been living with his wife in the village of Agost near Alicante in Spain.
