Iconic rock star Dave Mason, who found fame as the lead singer and co-founder of Traffic, alongside Chris Wood, Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi died on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 79. His family confirmed the news in a statement issued by his rep. No cause of death was revealed, but it read: "On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. On Sunday, April 19, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated songwriter, musician, singer, and author, passed away peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, NV. Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved," it touchingly concluded.

Further details were revealed on the star's Instagram account. Alongside a studio portrait of the legend, a caption read: "It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the Maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favourite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end. He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever," it said.

Dave co-founded the acclaimed group Traffic in Birmingham in April 1967. They began as a psychedelic rock group, and before diversifying and incorporating jazz and improvisational techniques into their music. Their debut album, Mr Fantasy, and the singles Paper Sun, Hole in My Shoe, and Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush, brought them huge success. Their self-titled sophomore offering featured one of their most popular songs, the widely covered Feelin' Alright?

He left the group shortly after that release and pursued a solo career alongside recording with artists including George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Wings, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash and Fleetwood Mac. He also collaborated with his former Traffic bandmate Steve Winwood.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and kept touring until 2024, when he cancelled his Traffic Jam Tour after being advised by his doctors to avoid all tour activity due to "a serious heart condition". He announced his official retirement from touring in 2025, citing "ongoing health challenges".

Tributes flooded in from devastated fans as they learned the news of his death. Commenting on the Instagram post one wrote: "Such sadness, Dave. You’ll be present in every one of your songs, each time your voice and your wonderfully distinctive guitar are heard. Thank you for being one of those who made this world a more beautiful place."

Another added: "I am so sad to hear about his passing. He was a GOAT - amazing songwriter, guitarist and performer. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to Winifred. May his memory be a blessing."

A third chimed in: "From a long, long time fan, roadie, and believer in his messages… thank you, Mr Dave Mason, for sharing your talents, gifts, and soul energies with us all. Rest in purity."

A fourth shared: "Very sad to hear this, such amazing music, soundtrack of my teens and his music has been an important thread throughout my life….The last show at Harrah's in Tahoe was amazing, as good as ever. Very thankful for that show after seeing him so many times over the decades. Thank you, Dave, for a life well lived, for the music, love, and poetic wisdom. Much love to the Fam."

A fifth penned: "Thanks for all the amazing music, Dave. It has been and continues to be a beautiful part of my life’s soundtrack. Rest in peace." Meanwhile, a sixth lamented: " I am so sorry to hear this- I find comfort knowing he was with his loving wife. He lived doing what he loved- we will never forget you LEGEND."