ICONINC 70s guitarist Joey Molland has died at the age of 77.
The legendary Badfinger musician tragically passed away last night surrounded by family.
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The news was confirmed in a statement on the band’s official Facebook page.
It read: “Well, the day we never wanted to see has arrived.
“Joey (Joseph Charles) Molland passed away last night, surrounded by Mary, his two sons, and other family members at 11:39pm CST.
“When I receive the information regarding arrangements, I will post them here.
“I was in bed when it occurred…and I woke up to this news, so I’m sorry for the delay. I’ve already seen a few posts in my personal feed, and a half dozen PM’s were sent this morning. (Thank you for the sympathies.)
“Needless to say, although I knew the situation was bad, it was still a shock to the system. I’m sure if you’re reading this for the first time, it’s a shock to yours, as well.
“Long Live Badfinger
“Thank you, Joey…for keeping the band’s music alive for so long and for being a friend to us all.”
The guitarist’s official cause of death has not been revealed but he was diagnosed with pneumonia in recent months.
In December last year Joey’s girlfriend Mary wrote a heartbreaking update on Facebook: “Joey is in the ICU.
“A higher level ICU than when we were admitted.
“He is battling multiple fronts right now, but seems more comfortable.
“Thankfully they have not had to resort to a ventilator”.
In early February, Mary told followers: “I know I need to do an update, and I wish I could always do a super positive update, but things don’t always work that way.
“Joey is still going through very complicated medical issues and they change daily.
“He is on day 61 here.
“The hospital he is at has been alright in some ways, but very inconsistent in others.
“I just came in and his oxygen was SO low. It makes me feel so overwhelmed and helpless. Everything moves so slow and I feel like if I’m not here 24/7 that other things will happen too. And I might be too late in catching it.
“My heart hurts. I want to absorb all his discomfort.
“Physically Joe is still on antibiotics for pneumonia. His blood sugar has fluctuated as it does with diabetes. His cognitive abilities have also fluctuated.
“But the low oxygen could explain some of that recently. Exasperating. He is very fragile right now.
“But he is pure Joey when he is more with-it.
“We just need more of those times.”
Badfinger’s hits were regularly produced by George Harrison, including some of their most well-known classics Day After Day and Baby Blue.
Baby Blue was famously used in the final moments of the hit Neflix show Breaking Bad.
Tributes have poured in for the guitarist since news of the tragedy was shared.
One friend said: “Very sad news. Joey was a kind soul”.
“He was a great talent and great friend. Had the privilege to know him over the past five years,” said another.
“Great guy and talent! Truly will be missed!” Agreed a third.
The band formed in Swansea in 1961, and quickly shot to stardom.
They were one of the first artists or bands to be signed by The Beatles to their Apple Records label.
Joey became close to several Beatles members and played guitar on many John Lennon songs.
He even featured on George Harrison’s 1970 album All Things Must Pass.
Pete Ham on guitar, drummer Mike Gibbins and bassist Tom Evans more than 14million records alongside Joey.
No Matter What and Without You have becomes two of the band’s most iconic songs.
In the early 70s, Joey became the band’s songwriter and lead singer.
He formed Molland’s Badfinger, which was still producing and performing until shortly before his death.
Joey was the last surviving member of Badfinger.
Guitarist Pete and bassist Evans died of suicide in 1975 and 1984, respectively.
Mike, the drummer, passed away after suffering from a brain aneurysm in 2005.
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