Traffic co-founder Dave Mason has passed away at the age of 79, with his family confirming the news in a heartfelt statement celebrating a life spent in service to music.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee died on April 19 at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, where he had lived for many years.
In a message shared on behalf of his relatives, a spokesperson said it was with “deep and profound sadness” that they announced his death, describing Mason as a “celebrated songwriter, musician, singer, and author” who “lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.”
A post on the musician’s official Facebook page offered a moving account of his final moments, revealing that Mason had cooked dinner with his wife Winifred before settling into his favourite chair with the family dog at his feet.
He “passed away peacefully… surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much” in “a storybook ending… on his own terms.”
A cause of death is not known at this time.
Born in Worcester, Mason rose to prominence as a founding member of Traffic, the pioneering Birmingham band he formed in 1967 alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood.
His songwriting quickly became central to the group’s identity, penning classics including Feelin’ Alright and Hole in My Shoe, both of which helped define Traffic’s blend of blues, rock and psychedelia.
Although he left the band shortly after their debut album Mr Fantasy, Mason returned several times over the decades, including for their 1971 reunion and their 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Beyond Traffic, Mason carved out a formidable solo and collaborative career, working with George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and touring with Eric Clapton as part of Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. He also spent a brief period with Fleetwood Mac, contributing to their 1995 album Time.
In recent years, Mason had planned to tour through 2024 and 2025, but postponed all dates after contracting a severe infection in March last year.
He later announced his retirement from the road, expressing gratitude to his bandmates, colleagues and fans for a lifetime of support.
A statement at the time read: “He retires from touring a happy man with a heart full of gratitude to his band members, business colleagues, and especially his legions of fans who made his life one of deep satisfaction and fulfilment.”
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop remembered Mason as “incredibly talented” and “always kind,” while guitarist Joe Bonamassa described him as both a hero and a friend, urging fans to “cherish every day you have with the ones you love.”
Mason is survived by his wife Winifred Wilson, his daughter Danielle, and his extended family.