Fleetwood Mac and Traffic rocker Dave Mason dies aged 79

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dave Mason, co-founder of the band Traffic, has died (Picture: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Dave Mason, the English rock musician who helped define a generation of classic rock, has died at age 79.

‘On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason,’ a statement read.

‘Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and people he loved.’

A founding member of Traffic and a prolific solo artist, Mason was also known for penning one of rock’s most enduring anthems, Feelin’ Alright.

Across his long career, Mason also moved in and around some of rock’s most iconic circles, including collaborations and touring connections with members of Fleetwood Mac during the band’s ever-shifting early line-ups.

Born in Worcester, England, in 1946, Mason showed an early affinity for music, picking up the guitar as a teenager and quickly immersing himself in the burgeoning British rock scene.

He helped create the sound of late 60s and early 70s rock (Picture: Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images)

In 1967, alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood, he formed Traffic, a band that would become hugely impactful to the development of 70s rock.

Though his time with Traffic was famously turbulent — Mason left and rejoined the group multiple times — his contributions were foundational.

He wrote and sang Feelin’ Alright, later popularised by Joe Cocker, and helped establish the band’s sound.

Mason also played a role in one of rock history’s most celebrated records, contributing acoustic guitar to Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix.

He played with Fleetwood Mac for a time in their early days, helping to shape the group’s sound (Picture: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

After leaving Traffic for good, Mason embarked on a solo career that would span decades. His 1970 album Alone Together became his most commercially successful release, eventually achieving platinum status in the United States.

He also worked with and can be heard on the albums of an array of major artists, including George Harrison, Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, earning a reputation as a musician’s musician.

Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 as a member of Traffic, cementing his place in rock history.

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