Guitarist Rick Parfitt dies in Spain at 68 years

The guitarist of English rock band 'Status Quo' Rick Parfitt died on December 4 in a Spanish hospital. He was 68.

The veteran musician had been recuperating since June when he suffered a heart attack but died after he was taken into hospital in Marbella due to complications with a pre-existing shoulder injury and a severe infection, reports the Daily Mail.

His son, Rick Jr, paid his own emotional tribute on social media, tweeting, "I cannot describe the sadness I feel right now. To many he was a rockstar, to me he was simply 'Dad', and I loved him hugely. RIP Pappa Parf."

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 the band in a 15-minute slot at the original Wembley Stadium which was broadcast around the world.

As a member of Status Quo, Parfitt found success globally with hits such as 'Rockin' All Over The World' and 'Whatever You Want'.

Rick is survived by his third wife Lyndsay Whitburn, their twins Tommy Parfitt and Lily Parfitt, and his adult children Richard Parfitt and Harry Parfitt.