Renowned musician Dave Mason, who gained fame as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the iconic band Traffic, has passed away at the age of 79.
Mason, a notable figure in the British rock scene, also briefly played with Fleetwood Mac. His death was confirmed on Tuesday through a heartfelt post on his official Instagram account, following his passing at home on Sunday.
Although the exact cause of Mason’s death has not been disclosed, it is known that he had previously dealt with heart-related health issues.
The announcement expressed deep sorrow, stating, “It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason.”
In a touching recount of his final moments, the statement detailed how Mason had spent his last day cooking a wonderful meal with his dear wife, Winifred. Later, he settled into his favorite chair for a nap, with his cherished Maltese dog, Star, by his side. It was there, amidst the serene beauty of Carson Valley that he adored, that he peacefully departed.
The tribute concluded by honoring Mason’s life, stating, “A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end.”
Dave Mason, the lead singer and co-founder of Traffic, has died at the age of 79; Pictured performing at City Winery in March 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia
Mason co-founded Traffic in Birmingham alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood in 1967; Pictured in 1968
‘He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever.’
Mason’s representative also confirmed his passing with a statement to Deadline: ‘On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason.’
‘On Sunday, April 19, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated songwriter, musician, singer, and author, passed away peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, NV.’
‘Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.’
Mason previously dealt with ‘a serious heart condition’ which caused him to cancel his Traffic Jam Tour in 2024.
He announced he would be retiring from touring in 2025 due to ‘ongoing health challenges.’
Mason co-founded the English band Traffic in 1967 in Birmingham with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood.
The band released their debut album Mr. Fantasy in 1967. It was followed by their self-titled 1968 album, which included their smash hit Feelin’ Alright?.
The British rock legend passed away at his home on Sunday, with his death confirmed via a statement on his Instagram account on Tuesday, though the cause of death was not revealed
Mason previously dealt with ‘a serious heart condition’ which caused him to cancel his Traffic Jam Tour in 2024. He announced he would be retiring from touring in 2025 due to ‘ongoing health challenges’; Seen in 2018
Traffic released their debut album Mr. Fantasy in 1967. It was followed by their self-titled 1968 album, which included their smash hit Feelin’ Alright?; (L-R) Winwood, Capaldi, Wood and Mason pictured in 1967
Mason left the band and moved on to a solo career in the 1970s, and was also a member of Fleetwood Mac for a brief time in the mid 1990s; Pictured in 1974
He recorded with artists including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Wings, George Harrison and more; Pictured in 1967
Mason left the band shortly afterwards and moved on to a solo career in the 1970s.
His other hits include Only You Know and I Know and We Just Disagree.
Mason briefly joined Fleetwood Mac in the mid 1990s and released the album Time with the iconic group in 1995. He toured with the band from 1994 until 1995.
He also went on to record with artists including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Wings, George Harrison and more.
The hitmaker is survived by wife Winifred Wilson, his daughter Danielle, as well as his nephews and nieces.
The musician’s passing follows the earlier deaths of his son, True, and his sister, Valerie Leonard.
