Andy Fraser, the bassist of the English rock band Free, has died at the age of 62 at his home in California. A cause of death was not immediately announced, but Fraser had been fighting cancer and AIDS, Ultimate Classic Rock reports.
“Andrew McLan Fraser passed away on Monday at his home in California,” says an official statement via Classic Rock magazine. “He leaves behind his daughters Hannah and Jasmine Fraser, and their mother Ri, his sister Gail, brothers Gavin and Alex, and many friends and associates in the industry.
“A survivor of both cancer and AIDS, Andy was a strong social activist and defender of individual human rights.”
Fraser was born in London in 1952 and co-founded Free at the age of 15. He had previously played with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.
Free was only active for a short time, from 1968-1973, but in that time released two Top 10 U.K. albums and had a massive hit with the song “All Right Now,” which Fraser co-wrote.
His career carried on, including the band Sharks and several solo albums, as well as writeing for artists such as Robert Palmer, Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart.
Fraser was diagnosed with HIV and a form of cancer called Kaposi’s Sarcoma in the In the 1980s. In recent years, Fraser had been involved with the Rock Against Trafficking charity.
A number of friends and admirers, including Paul Stanley and Joe Bonamassa, offered their condolences online:
RIP Andy Fraser Free’s iconic bass player and writer of Alright Now and others. He battled cancer and AIDS. A loss. pic.twitter.com/vRU9TGskTE
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) March 17, 2015
I am extraordinarily sad to hear of the passing of Andy Fraser. He was one of the greatest and I was proud to call him my friend.
— JOE BONAMASSA (@JBONAMASSA) March 17, 2015
RIP my brother Andy Fraser.. Your work in FREE is timeless A truly amazing Bass Player & Friend?Honored to have shared the stage with you
— Glenn Hughes (@glenn_hughes) March 17, 2015
Hate to hear the news of Andy Fraser’s passing. One of the greatest bass players in all of rock and roll. He was too damn good.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) March 17, 2015
RIP Andy Fraser, very sad news. Condolences to all his family & friends – JB Digital
— Jack Bruce (@jackbrucemusic) March 17, 2015