Dave Cousins, Strawbs singer and guitarist, dead at age 80
Dave Cousins, the founding member, guitarist, and singer of the folk prog band Strawbs, which was founded as The Strawberry Hill Boys in 1964, has passed away.
The news was announced via an official statement on his Facebook page. It began, “It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Joseph Cousins at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, peacefully following a long illness, today, Sunday 13 July 2025.”
It continued, “We will all wish to celebrate the life of this incredible singer-songwriter, relation, colleague and/or special friend at this time. We, therefore, ask you to enjoy listening to your favourite Cousins song as the sun goes down, in whatever part of the world you are, enjoying what he would refer to as a glass of vino collapse (wine)…”
The statement then revealed that more information would become available over time and appear on the relevant Facebook pages when appropriate.
The statement finished, “Meanwhile, we ask you to join in remembering a wonderful, talented man, whose life has touched us all.”
Cousins’ band moved from folk into progressive rock; they were first signed to A&M Records after All Out Own Work was recorded and released in 1967. In 1969, they released a self-titled project produced by Gus Dudgeon.
They have released 23 studio albums in total, the latest in 2023. Strawbs’ best-known single was ‘Part of the Union’, which reached number two in the UK Singles Chart in February 1973. ‘Lay Down’, their progressive rock hit from the same LP, is also one of their most popular.
Cousins’ voice is known to many for another reason. He appeared on Def Leppard‘s 1980 debut, Oh Through The Night, and speaks at the beginning of the song ‘When the Walls Came Tumblin’ Down’.
Cousins has faced several health issues in recent years, including a major cancer operation. The musician quit touring in 2021; Strawbs performed their final show at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival on August 11th, 2023.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.