GTR and Mike Oldfield's band member, Phil Spalding, has died at the age of 65, his former bandmate confirmed.
Former Genesis and GTR guitarist, Steve Hackett delivered the saddening news on Twitter, confirming Phil Spalding's death.
"I'm sad to hear of the death of Phil Spalding," he said. "He was a lovely guy and a great bass player in GTR. He was also at school with my brother John."
The post received heartfelt messages from his followers, who also remembered Spalding and his contributions to the music industry.
On his website, Spalding enumerated the albums he recorded since 1977. The page also lets fans click on the albums and learn the stories behind those music projects.
Among the albums he worked on included: "Live at the Vortex," "Original Mirrors," "Anthem," "Turn Out The Lights," "Life On Earth," "The Magician," "The Changeling," "Warrior Rock - The Changeling Tour," "Crises," "Love IS The Law," "Single Mirrors," "It's My Life," "Discovery - Tour of Europe," and "Universal."
He first started his career as a child model, appearing in a television advertisement for Smiths Crisps. After working as a computer operator, he joined rock artist, Bernie Tormé before becoming a member of Original Mirrors.
Spalding's stint with Original Mirrors led him to collaborate with Toyah.
In the next few years, he became a member of GTR and Mike Oldfield's band. Spalding then appeared on albums by Suggs, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and Michael Polnareff. He notably played with other artists, as well, including Elton John, Mick Jagger, and Randy Crawford, to name a few.
Phil Spalding's Cause of Death: Was It Health-Related?
Spalding's family is yet to release an official statement regarding his death. Phil Spalding's cause of death is also unclear as of press time.
However, it had been known that he was diagnosed with hepatitis C years before his passing.
In July 2008, Spalding appeared on BBC Oxford to promote a vaccine trial for hepatitis C. He eventually launched the support group, Hep C Positive in Swindon.
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Despite suffering from the disease, he continuously worked with the charity, Liver4Life, to spread awareness regarding the disease. Hepatitis C, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explains that the condition is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus.
It is spread through contact with blood from a person diagnosed with the virus. Usually, hepatitis C spreads through shared needles and other equipment for drug injection.
It remains unknown whether this had something to do with Phil Spalding's death.
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