Musician Ken Hensley, aged 75

Former Uriah Heep keyboard player Ken Hensley has died at the age of 75. The London -born musician, who played in the rock band between 1970 and 1980, died “peacefully” last Wednesday following a short illness.

He will be cremated in a private ceremony in Spain, where he lived on a remote farm with his wife, Monica.

A statement from his management said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Ken Hensley, former Uriah Heep vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist passed away peacefully on November 4 following a very short illness.

“Hensley was one of the most important musicians of the past half-a-century. His work with Uriah Heep in the 1970s helped to make the band hugely influential.

“He also collaborated with bands such as Blackfoot, W. A. S. P. and Cinderella, as well as building a very successful solo career.

“As a writer he was responsible for such classics as Lady In Black, Easy Livin’, July Morning and Look At Yourself.

“A very spiritual person, Hens ley became an inspiration to many and known for encouraging talented artists.”

Hens ley ’s former bandmate Mick Box said: “I am in deep shock at the news Ken Hensley has passed awa y, and my sincere condolences go to his family and wife Monica.

“Ken wrote some amazing songs in his tenure with the band, and they will remain a musical legac y that will be in people’s hearts forever. RIP Ken.”

Hensley’s brother Trevor, who is also a musician, wrote in a post on Facebook: “We are all devastated by this tragic and incredibly unexpected loss and ask that you please give us some space and time to come to terms with it.

“Ken has gone but he will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts. Stay safe out there.”

Hens ley was born Kenneth William David Hensley on August 24 1945 in Plumstead, south-east London, but grew up in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

In late 1969 he joined guitarist Box and singer David Byron in the rock band Spice.

A year later they changed the name to Uriah Heep af ter the charac ter in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield.

Hensley wrote or cowrote the majority of their songs during their 1970s heyday, helping to craft a sound which combined progressive and heavy rock styles , often with a dominant keyboard sound.

H is compos i t ions included the hit singles Lady In Black, Easy Livin’ and Stealin’, although he left at the end of the decade unhappy with their new musical direction.

He had recently finished work on a new project, My Book Of Answers, which is due for release in February.

He leaves behind his wife Monica, brothers Trevor and Mark, and sister Dawn.

TRIBUTES: The keyboardist played in band Uriah Heep.