Guitarist and singer of rock band Little Feat Paul Barrere sadly passed away. The band announced the news on their official website, saying Barrere passed at UCLA Hospital this past Saturday. He was 71 years old. According to Pitchfork, Barrere was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2015, and in 2012, he was forced to take a leave of absence from the band due to a battle with Hepatitis C.
The band continued on saying “As the song he sang so many times put it, he was always “Willin’,” but it was not meant to be. 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.”
Little Feat currently includes members Bill Payne, Sam Clayton, Kenny Gradney, Fred Tackett, and Gabe Ford. Barrere joined the band as a bassist in 1972, shortly before they put in their album Dixie Chicken in 1973. A few years later, he then became the guitarist. Since Dixie Chicken, the band went on to appear on Saturday Night Live and performed many sold-out shows.
The band’s last full studio effort was 2012’s Rooster Rag, with Ford making his drummer debut after replacing Richie Hayward in 2010. The band’s legacy continues to live on as many other bands and musicians have paid tribute in their live shows.
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