Media captionStatus Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has died of a severe infection, his manager says Queen guitarist Brian May has paid tribute to Status Quo star Rick Parfitt following his death aged 68, saying he had "truly joyfully rocked our world". The Who also took to Twitter to offer their "condolences to the family and friends" of the British guitarist. Rock star Peter Frampton and Parfitt's friend, the broadcaster Chris Tarrant, were among the others paying respects. Parfitt died in hospital in Spain, from a severe infection following complications to a shoulder injury. His partnership with Francis Rossi spanned five decades, making Status Quo one of British rock's most enduring acts.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Parfitt performing at The Prince's Trust Rock Gala in London in November 2010 Rick Jnr tweeted: "I cannot describe the sadness I feel right now. To many he was a rock star, to me he was simply 'Dad', and I loved him hugely. RIP Pappa Parf." Drummer Jeff Rich, who played in Status Quo with Parfitt for 16 years, told the BBC he was "just a really good musician, very under-rated, great rhythm player", but his health problems were "a big issue for him". He added: "When he had the last heart attack and he almost died a few months ago, I had a feeling that he wouldn't survive very long but in the back of your mind there's always this thing thinking maybe he's going to be alright now - but when I got the phone call, you know I was really upset." Broadcaster Chris Tarrant, who knew Parfitt for more than 40 years, said: "I am truly shattered to have this news. We all honestly felt that he was getting strong again. "Rick was the ultimate rock and roller. He lived and died as he wanted to... the world is a sadder and poorer place without him".
1/3
'Rocked our world' Status Quo found global success with hits including Rockin' All Over The World and Whatever You Want. Parfitt had been due to launch a solo career with an album and autobiography planned for 2017. Queen guitarist Brian May tweeted: "Shocked and so sad to hear of the passing of Rick Parfitt. Hard to find words, You truly joyfully rocked our world. RIP dear buddy."
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Parfitt (left) and the Quo ignored the changes in musical and sartorial fashion By Nick Serpell, BBC obituary editor With his flowing blond locks, denim gear and Fender Telecaster, Rick Parfitt was one of rock's most recognisable guitarists. His partnership with Francis Rossi became the core of Status Quo, one of Britain's most enduring bands. Their brand of boogie-woogie rock survived changes in musical fashion and made them one of the best-loved live acts of their generation. As well as driving the Quo sound on stage, Parfitt penned many of the band's biggest hits. Read more about Parfitt here Rock band Uriah Heep tweeted: "Such devastating news that Rick Parfitt has passed away. Rick left a musical legacy that has given such joy to everyone around the world." Chas and Dave, who toured with Status Quo in 2014, also paid tribute on the social media site, saying; "Very shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Rick Parfitt". Novelist Ian Rankin wrote that he would be "playing air guitar" in memory of Parfitt.
2/3
Image copyright Twitter
Image copyright Yvonne Hanvey Image caption Status Quo superfan Yvonne Hanvey, photographed in Bournemouth in 2015 with the rocker, said the news was "absolutely devastating" In 2015, the band passed a milestone achieved by only a handful of musicians, spending a total of 500 weeks in the UK album charts. Status Quo superfan and secretary of the band's official fan club Yvonne Hanvey told the BBC: "It's just absolutely devastating. "We knew it would happen at some point. It does with everybody obviously, but Rick was almost invincible. "He believed he was invincible. And this is just absolutely unbelievable." Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38429471
Rick Parfitt: Rock world pays tribute to Status Quo guitarist - BBC News Internet Marketing Softwares & Plugins click here
3/3 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)