Rick Parfitt, half of Status Quo's two-men guitar frontline, is dead at 68. He suffered a heart attack earlier this year during a show in Turkey, after which he had to give up playing with the band. From The Guardian:
Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has died after suffering from a severe infection at the age of 68, his manager has said.
The veteran musician was taken into hospital in Marbella, Spain, on Thursday evening due to complications with a pre-existing shoulder injury. He died there at lunchtime on Saturday, his manager and family said in a statement.
“We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at lunchtime today,” the statement said. “He died in hospital in Marbella, Spain, as a result of a severe infection, having been admitted to hospital on Thursday evening following complications to a shoulder injury incurred by a previous fall.
“This tragic news comes at a time when Rick was hugely looking forward to launching a solo career with an album and autobiography planned for 2017, following his departure from Status Quo’s touring activities on medical advice. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world, gained through 50 years of monumental success with Status Quo.