Legendary songwriter and Procol Harum lyricist Keith Reid had died aged 76.
Reid was one of many co-writers of John Farnham’s iconic 1986 hit You are the Voice.
Reid, together with Andy Qunta, Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson, wrote the hit monitor which received the ARIA Award for Single of the 12 months and quantity six on the UK Singles chart.
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English rock band Procol Harum confirmed the information in an announcement posted on the band’s web site.
In response to the group, Reid died in a London hospital after receiving most cancers remedy for 2 years.
“It’s with the deepest unhappiness that we should announce the passing of the lyricist Keith Reid, who died all of the sudden on 23 March 2023, in hospital in London,” they wrote.
“He had been receiving most cancers remedy 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 incorporates among the most enigmatic lyrics of all time.
“He all the time stated that, on the finish of his life, he would clarify what all of it meant: however sadly he did not get this chance.
Keith was additionally concerned in quite a few different initiatives inside leisure, and was a co-writer on what grew to become referred to as the unofficial Australian anthem You are the Voice, sung by John Farnham.
“His household want to thank quite a few well-wishers for his or her very variety messages. A non-public funeral will probably be held, and this web page will probably be up to date quickly with particulars for individuals who want to make a donation in his reminiscence. Keith will probably be drastically missed.”
Procol Harum additionally paid tribute to the musician on Fb.
“His lyrics had been one in every of a form and helped form the music created by the band,” they stated.
“His imaginative, surreal and multi-layered phrases had been a pleasure to Procol followers and their complexity by design was a robust addition (to) the Procol Harum catalogue.
“Our ideas exit to his household and mates.”
His demise comes amid information that Farnham, who underwent surgical procedure to take away a cancerous tumor in his mouth months in the past, was rushed to hospital with a respiratory infection.
Farnham’s household confirmed in an announcement that the 73-year-old Australian singer was present process remedy in hospital.
“John has been receiving ongoing remedy, care and rehabilitation assist over current months from his medical staff,” the household stated.
“He’s at present being handled for a respiratory an infection in hospital, however he’s snug and receiving the easiest care.”
Farnham’s spouse Jill stated he was persevering with his restoration following his profitable surgical procedure in 2022.
“He is all the time been a robust and decided particular person with all the pieces he is ever completed and we’re all so very happy with him,” she stated.
“He is responding properly to the specialist care he is receiving.”
