Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward has passed away at the age of 64 after suffering from liver cancer.
Hayward was a founding member of Little Feat. As well as being a drummer he was also a part-time actor and had a small role in the 60s TV comedy F Troop.He was also a popular session musician, featuring on records for Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, The Doobie Brothers, Robert Palmer, Warren Zeveon, Tom Waits, Robert Plant and Bob Seger over the years.
Hayward announced in August 2009 that he was suffering from liver cancer. He told fans through the Little Feat website. "I have very recently been diagnosed with a severe liver disease," he wrote. "I am looking at testing and treatments and a possible transplant, as well as an indefinite amount of time off".
"I was trying to withhold this information until I could play my last three shows and give you all I could without distraction. (My last show will be August 7th in Montana)."
"Because I have no insurance, my friends here in Canada, where I live with my wife, wanted to help as soon as possible and launched information about a fundraiser and my situation, to bring in much needed funds asap. As it is a relatively small and local event, we were not expecting it to be noticed, and word got out before I was prepared to make this announcement".
"Now that it has, please know that in no way did I mean to leave you out of the loop".
"My intent is to come back to the band, as soon as I am physically able. Your love and support will mean a lot to me, more than I can say. I love and will miss you all, and I will see you again on the proud highway".
Richie Hayward died on Thursday, August 12, 2010.
