Status Quo rocker Rick Parfitt has died suddenly on holiday, aged 68 - after suffering a severe infection 'he caught in hospital'.
The musician passed away at a hospital in Spain, his manager confirmed in a statement this afternoon.
It's claimed the veteran musician was admitted to the hospital on Thursday after suffering complications from a previous shoulder injury - but picked up a severe infection while he was there.
He died at lunchtime today, his family added in the statement.
Despite Rick's extensive health problems - including him needing a quadruple heart bypass 20 years ago in 1997 - he was planning a long-awaited solo album and autobiography next year.
However, after suffering a serious heart attack on stage this summer, he announced in October that he would no longer be performing with the rest of the Quo.
In a statement issued today, the band said: "We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away at lunchtime today.
"He died in hospital in Marbella, Spain, as a result of a severe infection, having been admitted to hospital on Thursday evening following complications to a shoulder injury incurred by a previous fall.
"This tragic news comes at a time when Rick was hugely looking forward to launching a solo career with an album and autobiography planned for 2017 following his departure from Status Quo's touring activities on medical advice.
"He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world, gained through 50 years of monumental success with Status Quo.
"Rick is survived by his wife Lyndsay, their twins Tommy and Lily and Rick's adult children Rick Jnr and Harry.