Steve Winwood remembers Traffic’s Dave Mason: “His place in that history will always be remembered”
Steve Winwood has honoured his former Traffic bandmate, Dave Mason, who has died aged 79.
Mason, who retired from touring due to health problems in 2025, co-founded Traffic in the 1960s with Winwood, carving out a special, yet fraught, creative partnership.
Taking to Facebook, Winwood shared on April 22nd, “We were deeply saddened to hear of Dave Mason’s passing. Dave was part of Traffic during its earliest chapter, and played an important role in shaping the band’s sound and identity during that time.”
Praising Mason’s musicianship, Winwood added, “His songwriting, musicianship and distinctive spirit helped create music that has lasted far beyond its era, and continues to mean so much to listeners around the world.”
Reflecting on their time together in Traffic, he continued, “Those years remain a special part of the band’s story, and Dave’s contribution to them is not forgotten. His place in that history will always be remembered, and through the music, his presence endures.”
He diplomatically concluded his eulogy, “At this sad time, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who loved him and his music.”
The pair did have their struggles, as Mason documented in his memoir, Only You & I Know, published in 2024. He 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.”
Despite being their primary songwriter, Mason left Traffic shortly after the release of their debut album, Mr Fantasy, in 1967, although he did return the following year to complete the follow-up record before departing again.
His third and final stint with Traffic in 1971 only lasted for six shows before he was again relieved of his services. Mason was later excluded from their reunion tour in 1994, but did perform with his former bandmates during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2004.
Mason died on April 19th, 2026. No cause of death has yet been revealed.
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. Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and people he loved.”
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