Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic, singer and guitarist, has passed away at the age of 79.
The iconic musician’s death was confirmed through an official statement shared on his social media accounts. The statement reads: “It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with his beloved Star (the maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end. He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever”.
Last September, Dave Mason officially announced his retirement from touring, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 60-year journey in rock and roll and signaling the close of a major chapter in music history. He pointed to ongoing health issues as the reason behind the decision.
Mason had already canceled all of his tour dates in June 2025 due to those health concerns. Earlier, in September 2024, he was forced to postpone shows after doctors discovered a serious heart condition during a routine checkup that required immediate treatment. Although he initially planned to reschedule those dates for earlier this year, they were ultimately called off.
At the time of the June 2025 tour cancellation, Dave Mason was recovering from a “severe infection” he had contracted three months earlier.
