The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Singer ‘dedicated to the music’
The singer and guitarist of rock band Little Feat, Paul Barrere, has died. The 71-year-old’s bandmates confirmed he died from complications of liver disease in a statement yesterday.
The musician died on Saturday in UCLA Hospital.
A spokesman for the band said: “It is with great sorrow that Little Feat must announce the passing of our brother guitarist, Paul Barrere, this morning at UCLA Hospital.
“We ask for your kindest thoughts and best wishes to go out especially to his widow Pam and children Gabriel, Genevieve, and Gillian, and to all the fans who were his extended family.
“Paul, sail on to the next place in your journey with our abiding love for a life always dedicated to the muse and the music.
“We are grateful for the time we have shared.”
The guitarist had been forced to miss out on the band’s latest tour due to his ill health.
He joined Little Feat in 1972 ahead of the release of their successful third album Dixie Chicken.
Mr Barrere went on to write songs including Skin It Back, Feats Don’t Fail Me Now and All That You Dream with the band, as well as recording three solo albums.
He contracted hepatitis C in 1994 and was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2015.
Fellow musician Bonnie Raitt paid tribute to Mr Barrere, tweeting: “Oh my God. I just heard about the passing of another dear friend, Little Feat’s Paul Barrere.
“A brilliant guitarist, singer and songwriter. A cornerstone of one of the greatest bands of all time.”
The blues singer added: “I’m glad he is free of pain and may he rest in peace.
“I send my deep love and condolences to his family, bandmates and friends.
“We will hold him in our hearts and celebrate his life and music always.”