Status Quo bass player Alan Lancaster has died. He was aged 72.

Lancaster was a founding member of the group that topped the charts worldwide in the 60s and 70s.

The group – fronted by Francis Rossi – had hits with Rockin’ All Over The World, and Whatever You Want.

Francis said: “Alan was an integral part of the sound and the enormous success of Status Quo during the 60s and 70s.

“We were friends and colleagues for many years and achieved fantastic success together as the Frantic Four alongside Rick Parfitt and John Coghlan.

“Although it is well documented that we were estranged in recent years, I will always have very fond memories of our early days together.”

The group’s manager Simon Porter said:

“This is such sad news.”