Paul Barrere, singer and guitarist for blues rock band Little Feat, died on Saturday, October 26 at the age of 71.
The band released a statement on Saturday announcing his passing at the UCLA Hospital due to complications from liver disease. Since 1994, Barrere had been battling Hepatitis C and was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2015.
He contributed as a singer, songwriter and guitarist for the boogie rock band since 1972, with his debut recording with Little Feat being 1973's Dixie Chicken.
The band shared, "Paul auditioned for Little Feat as a bassist when it was first being put together, in his words, 'as a bassist, I make an excellent guitarist' - and three years later joined the band in his proper role on guitar."
Due to his health, he was forced to take a leave of absence during the band’s 50th anniversary tour, which ended yesterday in Wilks-Barre, Pennsylvania. On Saturday evening at The Paramount in Huntington, New York, the band paid tribute to Barrere with heavy hearts, dedicating the first song of the night, "Tripe Face Boogie," in his honor.
The band continued, "He promised to follow his doctor's orders, get back in shape, and rock on the beach at the band's annual gathering in Jamaica in January 2020."
With nearly five decades of service to the band, Barrere was a longtime, foundational member of the band, taking on the role as a main songwriter with the passing of Lowell George in 1979. Barrere wrote multiple songs for the band up through their latest album release Rooster Rag, including “Time Loves A Hero," “All That You Dream," “Skin It Back," and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now."
"Paul, sail on to the next place in your journey with our abiding love for a life always dedicated to the muse and the music. We are grateful for the time we have shared."
- Log in to post comments
