Procol Harum songwriter Keith Reid has died on the age of 76.
The composer – who was finest recognized for having written the lyrics for nearly each authentic observe launched by the English prog band, apart from their twelfth and ultimate studio LP ‘Novum’, launched in 2017 – handed away final Thursday (23.03.23) after dwelling with most cancers for the previous few years.
On Wednesday (29.03.23), the group – whose ultimate line-up earlier than disbanding in 2017 consisted of guitarist Geoff Whitehorn, bassist Matt Pegg, keyboardist Josh Phillips and drummer Geoff Dunn – wrote on Fb: “We’re unhappy to listen to of the loss of life of Keith Reid. An unparalleled lyricist Keith wrote the phrases to just about all Procol Harum songs, in addition to co-writing the John Farnham hit ‘You are The Voice’. His lyrics had been one in all a sort and helped to form the music created by the band. His imaginative, surreal and multi-layered phrases had been a pleasure to Procol followers and their complexity by design was a robust addition the Procol Harum catalogue. Our ideas exit to his household and pals.”
An additional assertion confirmed that the ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ lyricist – who’s survived by his spouse Pinkey – had been receiving therapy for most cancers over the course of the previous few years.
The assertion learn: “It’s with the deepest disappointment that we should announce the passing of the lyricist Keith Reid, who died abruptly on 23 March 2023, in hospital in London. He had been receiving most cancers therapy for the previous couple of years.
“Keith was the co-founder and lyricist for the band Procol Harum, notably penning their largest hit ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’, which comprises a few of the most enigmatic lyrics of all time. He at all times stated that, on the finish of his life, he would clarify what all of it meant: however sadly he didn’t get this chance.
“Keith was additionally concerned in quite a few different initiatives inside leisure, and was a co-writer on what turned often called the unofficial Australian anthem ‘You’re The Voice’, sung by John Farnham.
“His household want to thank quite a few well-wishers for his or her very variety messages. A personal funeral can be held, and this web page can be up to date quickly with particulars for many who want to make a donation in his reminiscence.
“Keith can be tremendously missed.”
