‘Little Feat’s Drummer Richie Hayward Passes Away

LONDON (GaeaTimes.com) — The co-founder and the Drummer of Little Feat band, Richie Hayward 64, has passed away on August 12 after a long battle with liver disease. Hayward lived in British Columbia until his death.

In the late 1960’s, Richie started his journey by playing in a band called The Factory, along with Lowell George. Both of them co-founded ‘Little Feat’ in 1969 along with Bill Payne and Roy Estrada. They combined the essence of southern rock along with mild flavors of blues, rock boogie and funk. Little Feat continued its journey till 1979 and officially parted away after the death of frontman Geroge. Hayward helped reforming the band again in 1987 and continued playing with the group until last year, when health concerns prevented him touring.

Hayward had the distinct honor of playing with legends like Eric Clapton, Warren Zevon, Travis Tritt, Robert Palmer, Tom Waits, Barbra Streisand, John Cale, Buddy Guy, Arlo Guthrie, Carly Simon, Bob Seger and many others during various studio recording sessions.

Many musicians, ranging from the members of Leftover Salmon to Little Feat, played benefit shows for Hayward in the past year. He had no insurance at the time when his condition was diagnosed. Fab Faux guitarist Jimmy Vivino also saluted the musician from the stage with Gov’t Mule at New York’s Central Park SummerStage last night. Hayward’s last appearance in public was in a jam with Little Feat at the Vancouver island MusicFest on July 11, 2010.

Long live this legend! may his soul rest in peace.