Andy Fraser has passed away at the age of 62.
The Free bassist died at his home in California on Monday (16.03.15), and although the cause of death is not yet known, he had been battling with cancer and Aids, a statement from his family has confirmed.
The announcement read: "A survivor of both cancer and Aids, Andy was a strong social activist and defender of individual human rights.
"He leaves behind his daughters Hannah and Jasmine Fraser, and their mother Ri, his sister Gail, brothers Gavin and Alex, and many friends and associates in the industry."
The London-born musician is known for co-founding the band in 1968 aged 15 along with Paul Kossoff, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke, as well as co-writing their greatest hit ‘All Right Now’, which became a best-seller in 1970.
The musician left the band in 1972 to work with guitarist Chris Spedding, later forming the Andy Fraser Brand and writing tracks for stars such as Robert Palmer, Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart.
His daughter, Hannah, has now issued a personal statement concerning her father’s death on behalf of her family, in which she speaks about his "endless passion" and how they are "shocked and heartbroken" by their loss.
In the message to FOX411, she said: "I’m so shocked and heartbroken by the loss of our amazing father Andy, who was a true force of nature. His endless passion for music has been an inspiration to the world for over half a decade.
"He was a man of few words, but he always knew how to sum up a situation insightfully, and straight to the point. The last time I saw him he was in his element, rocking out onstage to benefit humanity. I am so proud of him, his bravery, intensity, philanthropy and talent will have people singing his praises for years to come. Andy was a survivor who overcame some of the most challenging health issues in his life, and yet he left this earth healthy, happy and full of plans to make this world a better place for us all. It’s alright now, and he’s finally free."
Andy Fraser dies aged 62
