Steve Winwood Shares Statement on Traffic Bandmate Dave Mason’s Passing
On Tuesday evening, the passing of Traffic co-founder Dave Mason was announced in a statement made by his team and on behalf of the departed’s kin. This morning, Wednesday, April 22, Mason’s friend and longtime collaborator, Steve Winwood, known for their shared road in Traffic, penned a tribute to his former bandmate.
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“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. 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.
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.
At this sad time, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who loved him and his music.”
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Mason and Winwood forged Traffic with drummer Jim Capaldi and keyboard/saxophone player Chris Wood in 1967. While Mason briefly departed from the lineup after they released their debut record Dear Mr. Fantasy, he rejoined months later, eventually exiting again after participating in sessions for the group’s self-titled sophomore album and subsequent Last Exit.
Despite some band friction, which created distance, the original ensemble reemerged for a final stint of live appearances in the summer of 1971, one of which became their live LP, Welcome to the Canteen.
Notably, during a ’90s-era reunion tour, Mason was not involved; it wasn’t until 2004 that the group would reconvene on stage for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The aforementioned appearance was Mason, Winwood and Capaldi’s first since 1971 and the last known Traffic performance.
