Artists Remember Dave Mason: Mick Fleetwood, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa and More
In the wake of Dave Mason’s passing, musical collaborators and admirers have penned tributes on social media in memory of the singer, songwriter, and guitarist who came of age as a founding member of pioneering British rock group Traffic.
Scroll down to read comments from Mick Fleetwood, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, and others. And, read Steve Winwood’s homage here.
…
Mick Fleetwood:
Me 🥁🎸Mick Fleetwood … known to my sweet David (Toad)… me as the “Badger “… from our childhood stories we shared together our whole lives … into this sunset 🌅🛸 This is might I say with all the visions of “Life Forever”, A real expression of David’s overview on life !!! He as few “have” a reverence for truthful life … And MOST importantly through my long lasting love of this iconic talent .. and for me his loving friendship. Listen to his songs and you WILL LEARN!!…That sweet David Mason … yes left this world … BUT NOT WITHOUT A REMINDER of heartfelt songs that question “The meaning of life”…With the understanding of such insight into life’s puzzle !! I say a loss today stays imaged in song. And a resolute dedication to his creative craft MUSIC !!🐝🛸🎼🛸🎸🐝✍️✍️✍️✍️ I love the friend I have lost and send my love to Winifred.
Xx Mick Fleetwood “The Badger”
Warren Haynes:
RIP Dave Mason
So sad to hear about the passing of Dave Mason. In addition to being a great singer and guitar player, Dave was a great songwriter who wrote so many songs that I spent countless hours listening to in my formative years. Songs like “Feeling Alright”,” ”Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave”, “Sad and Deep As You”, “Only You Know And I Know”, “It’s Like You Never Left” and “Headkeeper” are fantastic cornerstones of my rock and roll upbringing. As a singer and as a songwriter he had a great sense of melody that carried over to his guitar playing which was extremely melodic. His guitar solos always served the song and were amazingly memorable—in many cases sounding like they were actually part of the song.
He was one of the people who shaped my playing at an early age. From listening to him I got an underlying sense of the importance of making every note count. Although I listened a lot to many of his solo records and his studio work with Traffic, I really loved live recordings Like Dave Mason Is Alive and Welcome To The Canteen and still cover some of those songs to this day. Dave and I played together several times through the years and it was always an honor for me. I hope more young, upcoming musicians and artists will do themselves a service and discover what a great contribution to rock and roll history Dave Mason made. Those songs and recordings will live forever.
— WH
Joe Bonamassa:
Very sad news from America about the passing of Dave Mason. A legend, a hero and a true friend over the years. Dave wrote songs that everyone knows. One of the highlights of my career was guesting on “Dear, Mr Fantasy” for his record with both Dave and Steve Cropper producing at RCA Studios in Nashville. ( no pressure, right?) Cherish every moment with your friends and the ones you love while they are still with us. I can’t believe in a few short years that both of these icons are gone. Rest in Peace my friend.
View this post on Instagram
The Family of Jim Capaldi:
Dave was an important part of a remarkable musical chapter, and his contribution to Traffic helped create a body of work that continues to mean so much to people all over the world. His songwriting, musicianship and unmistakable spirit helped shape songs and records that have stood the test of time.
To Jim, Dave was part of the story from the very beginning — one of a small group of artists who came together to make something original, adventurous and lasting. That music still resonates today, and Dave’s place within it will always be remembered.
At this sad time, we are thinking of Dave’s family, friends and all those who loved him and his music.
His legacy will live on through the songs, the recordings, and the inspiration he gave to so many.
With love and respect.
The Family of Jimi Hendrix and Experience Hendrix:
Experience Hendrix and the family of Jimi Hendrix are saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Mason (@davemasonmusic) . As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist Dave Mason was a founding member of the hit group Traffic alongside Steve Winwood, Chris Wood and Jim Capaldi. As a member of Traffic, Dave Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004.
Dave Mason and Jimi Hendrix forged a lasting friendship that included several studio guest appearances on recordings including 12-string acoustic guitar on “All Along The Watchtower,” backing vocals on “Crosstown Traffic,” and sitar on “Little One.” Mason and Chris Wood also appeared on stage during a performance of “Room Full Of Mirrors” at the historic Royal Albert Hall concert in February 1969.
More recently, Mason participated in the production of the documentary film At Last The Beginning… The Making Of Electric Ladyland where he recounted his involvement on the recording of the classic album.
“I was truly honored to have met Dave and to have spent time in his presence,” recalls Janie Hendrix. “He was not only an extraordinary musician, but a deeply kind and genuine soul. Being around him, you felt his warmth immediately. His spirit and his music will continue to inspire for generations to come. I truly am saddened by his passing.”
Fly on sweet angel. Forever in our hearts. 💜
