Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason, co-founder of the legendary British band Traffic, has died at the age of 79. His family confirmed his passing in a statement posted on April 21 on his official Instagram account. Mason died peacefully at his Gardnerville, Nevada, home on April 19 after cooking dinner with his wife, Winifred, and taking a nap with his dog, Star. The statement described his death as a 'storybook ending' on his own terms, surrounded by the scenic Carson Valley he loved.
Mason first gained prominence in the 1960s as a member of Traffic, alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. He later achieved solo success in the 1970s, with hits like 'Feelin’ Alright?' and 'We Just Disagree.' He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 with Traffic. Mason also collaborated with Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, and the Rolling Stones and briefly joined Fleetwood Mac in the 1990s.
His representative confirmed the news to Deadline, noting that Mason had been dealing with ongoing health challenges, including a serious heart condition that led to the cancellation of his Traffic Jam Tour in 2024. He had announced plans to retire from touring in 2025. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Fans and fellow musicians quickly paid tribute on social media, celebrating his enduring influence on rock music.