R.i.P.: Status Quo Guitarist Rick Parfitt Has Died

Rick Parfitt

Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt died Saturdsay in a Spanish hospital at the age of 68 as Queen legend Brian May led the tributes - saying that he 'rocked our world'.

According to The Daily Mail, Parfitt had been recuperating since June when he suffered his third heart attack but died after suffering from a severe infection.

May, 69, said: 'Shocked and so sad to hear of the passing of Rick Parfitt. Hard to find words. You truly joyfully rocked our world. RIP dear buddy.'

One of the most celebrated live performances of Parfitt's career came at Live Aid on July 13 1985, when he opened the historic 16-hour concert with Status Quo in a 15-minute slot at the original Wembley Stadium which was broadcast around the world.

Most recently, he pulled out of the band's tour following a heart attack over the summer.

Parfitt first suffered a quadruple heart bypass in 1997 after touring with the band for decades, during which time he had weathered drink and drug problems.

He stopped touring with the band earlier this year, after taking advice from doctors.

The self-confessed former drug addict had suffered a catalogue of health problems including a throat cancer scare in 2005 and another heart attack in 2011.

Medics first informed Parfitt his lifestyle of rock and roll debauchery could cost him his life after his first bypass in 1997.