Rick Parfitt, Status Quo guitarist, dies aged 68

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. 

The statement said: “We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at lunchtime on Saturday.

“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.

“Rick is survived by his wife Lyndsay, their twins Tommy and Lily and Rick’s adult children Rick Junior and Harry. No further comment will be made at this time and Rick’s family, and the band, ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”