Dave Mason, Traffic co-founder, dead at 79
Dave Mason, the guitarist and co-founder of English rock band Traffic, has died aged 79.
Mason died on April 19th; no cause of death has yet been shared in relation to the legendary guitarist’s passing.
In a statement, his family confirmed his death, writing, “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason.”
It continued, “Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and people he loved.”
Mason, born in Worcester in 1946, was a product of the thriving Birmingham music scene in the 1960s, which brought him together with fellow Traffic founding members Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood.
However, as soon as the band began to ride high in 1967, Mason was out of the band shortly after the release of their debut album, Mr Fantasy. His exit was short-lived, as he returned during the process of making their next record, Traffic, but he departed not long after.
While he toured with the band again in 1971, his relationship with Steve Winwood made a full-blown reunion impossible. In his book, Mason claimed Winwood once told him, “I don’t like the way you write, I don’t like the way you sing, I don’t like the way you play.”
By this point, thanks to both his songwriting and guitar exploits with the band, he was already in demand by other stars of the day, including playing on Jimi Hendrix’s ‘All Along The Watchtower’, The Rolling Stones’ classic ‘Street Fighting Man’, and the sessions for George Harrison’s seminal All Things Must Pass.
Additionally, Mason’s services were recruited by Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, Cass Elliot, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Paul McCartney and Wings, as well as Don Felder.
In the mid-1990s, Mason was briefly a member of Fleetwood Mac, contributing to the 1995 album Time and touring with the legendary group during an albeit tricky period of their career.
His career will also be remembered for the things that didn’t materialise, too, such as almost becoming a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and him being kicked out of the Ringo Starr All-Starr Band in 1997 before his tenure had even begun over a dispute relating to a pre-existing contractual obligation Mason couldn’t back out of.
During a conversation with USA Today in 2024, Mason said of his career that saw him work with everyone who is someone, “I’m kind of the Forrest Gump of rock.”
He also embarked on a successful and extensive solo career, which kicked off in 1970 with his debut album, Alone Together, which is certified gold in the United States. His final album, A Shade of Blues, arrived in 2023.
Along with Traffic, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and later released his memoir, Only You & I Know, in 2024.
In 2025, Mason made the difficult decision to retire from touring, citing health problems with a spokesperson stating, “He retires from touring a happy man with a heart full of gratitude to his band members, business colleagues, and especially his legions of fans who made his life one of deep satisfaction and fulfillment.”
Mason’s final tour, the Traffic Jam Tour, took place in 2024 but was cut short after a heart condition was discovered by medics during a check-up.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.