Status Quo star dies at 72 after MS fight

STATUS Quo star Alan Lancaster has died aged 72, after a battle with multiple sclerosis.

The founding member bassist, pictured, achieved global success with the rock band in the 1960s and 70s with hits including Rockin’ All Over The World and Whatever You Want. Status Quo singer Francis Rossi paid tribute to him as an ‘integral’ part of their sound. ‘I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing,’ he added in a statement.

Lancaster, who was born in Peckham, south London, in 1949, had been living in Australia. Friends said despite his battle with MS, he had continued to perform in reunion tours, with his last stage appearance coming in 2014.

Lancaster leaves behind his wife Dayle, who he married in 1978. She said in a statement: ‘We are all heartbroken.’