Traffic's Dave Mason dies aged 79

Dave Mason, the co-founder of British rock band Traffic, has died aged 79.

Known for his contributions to the band and his career as a session musician and solo artist, Mason passed away at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada on Sunday, April 19.

"On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the maltese) at his feet," according to the post on his official Instagram page.

"He passed away peacefully, in his favourite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end."

Mason had revealed he was undergoing treatment for a heart condition in September 2024, before cancelling 2025 tour dates due to his health issues.

He co-founded Traffic in Birmingham in 1967. His best known songs written for the band include 'Feelin' Alright?' and 'Hole in My Shoe'.

After leaving the group in 1968 he released his debut solo album, Alone Together, in 1970. He also featured on many other projects as a session musician, including Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, and a cameo on the Rolling Stones' 'Street Fighting Man.'

In the '90s, Mason briefly became a member of Fleetwood Mac, appearing on the 1995 album Time, during a period when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks had left the group.

In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the other original members of Traffic. That same year, he started an electric guitar company with industrial designer Ravi Sawhney. Their instruments were played by artists such as Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, and Keith Richards.

American singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop paid tribute to Mason on Instagram, saying: "I am very sorry to hear about the passing of my friend Dave Mason."

"My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans."

Mason is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, and his daughter, Danielle. He was preceded in death by his son, True, and his sister, Valerie Leonard.

 

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