Status Quo bassist and founding member Alan Lancaster has died at the age of 72.
The musician died at his home in Sydney, Australia surrounded by his family.
He is said to have battled Multiple Sclerosis, a condition which can affect the brain and spinal cord, before his death.
The sad news of Lancaster's passing was confirmed by close friend Craig Bennett at the request of his family.
In a statement, Bennett wrote: "I am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of iconic band, Status Quo.
"Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours… He bravely played to thousands of adoring fans and loved being back with the band and his loyal Quo army."
The band's lead singer Francis Rossi said: "I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. 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."
Lancaster leaves behind wife Dayle Lancaster, who he married in 1978, children Alan Jr and David and five grandchildren.
He was one of the original members of the rock group along with front man Rossi, 72, and guitarist Rick Parfitt, who died in 2016 at the age of 68.
Lancaster appeared on 15 Status Quo albums until 1985 and played on classic tracks Whatever You Want and Down Down.
He reunited with bandmates Rossi and Parfitt and John Coghaln in 2013 for a UK tour, performing his final show as a member in 2014.
The musician moved to Australia in the 1980s, where he remained for 40 years. His mother and father, brother and sister also relocated soon after.
His widow Dayle said in a statement: "We are all heartbroken. Alan had a wonderful wit and a fabulously dry sense of humour. He was a devoted and adoring husband, father and grandfather. Family was always his focus."
Taking to social media, family friend Craig Bennett posted: "At the request of his loving and deeply cherished family, am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of iconic band, Status Quo.
"Alan Lancaster passed away this morning at his Sydney home, surrounded by family.
"Alan had been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis. He was 72. Status Quo began Rockin’ All Over The World in 1967. The legendary band amassed decades of hit songs, including Down Down and Whatever You Want. Alan married his beautiful wife Dayle Lancaster in 1978.
"They met when Alan and Status Quo, along with Slade and Lindisfarne, toured Australia in 1973.
"Alan, who was a dear and special friend, is survived by Dayle, his children Alan Jr, Toni and David, plus five grandchildren.
He went on: "Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours in the UK & Europe in 2013 & 2014. He bravely played to thousands of adoring fans..and loved being back with the band and his loyal Quo army.
"Vale to an absolute legend and one of the nicest people in rock and roll."
