Status Quo Founding Member Alan Lancaster Passes Away In Sydney Home, Age 72

Alan Lancaster, bassist and founding member for UK rock legends Status Quo, passed away over the weekend following a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

The musician - who helped form the band and appeared with them periodically after his departure in 1985 - died in his Sydney home on Sunday, where he had lived for the last five decades.

"I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing," frontman Francis Rossi shared via the band's official Facebook page. "We were friends and colleagues for many years and achieved fantastic success together as the Frantic Four alongside Rick Parfitt and John Coghlan. 

"Alan was an integral part of the sound and the enormous success of Status Quo during the 60s and 70s. Although it is well documented that we were estranged in recent years, I will always have very fond memories of our early days together and my condolences go to Dayle and Alan’s family."

The late Parfitt's son, Rick Parfitt Jr, also shared his condolences online - taking to his Twitter to share the news.

"I am absolutely devastated to hear of Alan’s passing," he wrote. "He was the most kind hearted, beautiful person, hugely funny to be around and in the truest sense an absolute legend! Quo would not have existed without him. I love you and will miss you."

Lancaster was an pivotal part of the creation of many of Status Quo's early hits, and appeared with the band as the opening act for the legendary Live Aid concert back in 1985.