ICON GONE
Dave Mason dead aged 79: British rock legend who founded Traffic & worked with Fleetwood Mac & Rolling Stones dies
ROCK icon Dave Mason, lead singer and co-founder of Traffic, has died aged 79.
The legendary musician, who was briefly a member of Fleetwood Mac, and worked with the Rolling Stones passed away at home on Sunday.
His tragic death was announced via a statement on his Instagram yesterday.
While the legend’s cause of death has not been revealed he has previously suffered from heart issues.
He had been struggling with his health after he was admitted to hospital last September for an “urgent heart condition”.
Months later he contracted a “severe infection” that stopped him from getting back on stage last summer.
The statement shared on Dave’s Instagram 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 favorite 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.”
Dave last performed on stage a month before the discovery of his heart issue in September 2024.
He was best known for his work as a founding member of the rock band Traffic.
He then, for a brief period in the 1990s, joined Fleetwood Mac and released the album Time with them.
Dave would go on to tour with the band throughout 1994 and 1995.
Born in Worcester, England, Dave moved permanently to the United States in 1971.
When he moved to America, he lived in Ojai Valley in California for 16 years.
As of September 2017 he had homes in Carson City, Nevada, and Hawaii, as per reports.
Traffic was founded in Birmingham in 1967, with Dave, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood.
Their debut album Mr Fantasy was released the same year and was shortly followed in 1968 with a self-titled album which included the smash hit Feelin’ Alright?
Dave recorded with dozens of artists including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Wings, George Harrison and more.
He is survived by wife Winifred Wilson, his daughter Danielle and his nephews and nieces.
The singer-songwriter had been set to play gigs across the US throughout July and August last year.
In June 2025, however, he shared the news that the shows would be postponed due to his health battles.
A statement from the rock icon was shared, which said: “With deep regret, I must cancel all tour dates for 2025 due to ongoing health issues stemming from the infection I had in March.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my team of doctors—this has been challenging territory, to say the least.”
He went on: “A heartfelt thank you to all the fans, and to my family, band, agents and the venues who’ve waited patiently and supported me throughout this journey.
“Your kind messages have lifted my spirits more than words can express.
“Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep.”
Fans flocked to the comments section of the statement, which was shared on Dave’s Instagram page.
One person said: “You take care Dave! I wish you the very best of health!”
Another added: “I’m so sorry to hear this. We are all praying for a full recovery. Please take good care of urself and all ur fans look forward to seeing u back out there next year.”
While a third penned: “We hope this is temporary, you give so much and you just need a little more rest.”
