THE BASSIST from Status Quo, Alan Lancaster, has tragically passed away age 72.

       Here's what we know about him.

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       Alan Lancaster performs with The Frantic Four line-up of Status Quo at Manchester Apollo in 2014 Credit: Avalon.red Who was Alan Lancaster?

       Alan Charles Lancaster was an English bassist, best known as a founding member of the rock band Status Quo from 1967 to 1985, with brief reunions in 2013 and 2014.

       Lancaster and Status Quo vocalist Francis Rossi met at Sedgehill Comprehensive School in London, where they performed together in its orchestra.

       Along with two other classmates, they formed a group known as Scorpions. Undergoing two name changes before settling on Status Quo, Lancaster, Rossi and guitarist Rick Parfitt – who died in 2016 – launched their hit-making career with the release of ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’.

       From there, Lancaster performed with the group until 1985, appearing on 15 albums.

       The band enjoyed more than 60 Top 40 hits in the UK, had 25 UK Top 10 albums and released over 100 singles, including hit songs such as ‘Down Down’ and ‘Whatever You Want’.

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       His last album with the band was 1983’s ‘Back To Back’.

       Reuniting with Rossi, Parfitt and John Coghaln, Lancaster performed with Status Quo for a UK tour in 2013. His last ever show as a member was in Dublin in 2014.

       How did the Status Quo bassist die?

       According to a post shared to Facebook by Australian entertainment reporter and Lancaster’s close friend, Craig Bennett, the musician had been suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for some time.

       “I am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of iconic band, Status Quo,” Bennett wrote.

       “Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours.

       "He bravely played to thousands of adoring fans..and loved being back with the band and his loyal Quo army.

       Despite having MS and issues with his mobility, Alan participated in hugely successful reunion tours in the UK and Europe in 2013 and 2014.

       Was Alan Lancaster married?

       According to friend Craig Bennett, he is survived by Dayle, his children Alan Jr, Toni and David, plus five grandchildren.

       Dayle said that Alan loved his life in Australia and his mother and father, plus his brother and sister also moved to Australia.

       Dayle said: "We are all heartbroken. Alan had a wonderful wit and a fabulously dry sense of humour.

       "He was a devoted and adoring husband, father and grandfather. Family was always his focus."