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Procol Harum, who are known for their 1967 hit A Whiter Shade Of Pale, confirmed lyricist Keith Reid’s death in a Facebook post yesterday.
The members explained that Keith had been undergoing cancer treatment as they expressed their “deep sadness”.
The statement read: “It is with the deepest sadness that we must announce the passing of the lyricist Keith Reid, who died suddenly on 23 March 2023, in hospital in London.
“He had been receiving cancer treatment for the past couple of years.
“Keith was the co-founder and lyricist for the band Procol Harum, notably penning their biggest hit A Whiter Shade of Pale, which contains some of the most enigmatic lyrics of all time.
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The group noted that Keith, who was from Hertfordshire, had been receiving cancer treatment “for the last couple of years” and “died suddenly” in London last Thursday.
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They went on: “He always said that, at the end of his life, he would explain what it all meant: but sadly he didn’t get this opportunity.
“Keith was also involved in numerous other projects within entertainment, and was a co-writer on what became known as the unofficial Australian anthem You’re the Voice, sung by John Farnham.
“His family would like to thank numerous well-wishers for their very kind messages.
“A private funeral will be held, and this page will be updated soon with details for those who would like to make a donation in his memory. Keith will be greatly missed.”
Procol Harum formed in Southend-On-Sea in 1967, with A Whiter Shade Of Pale becoming one of the few singles to have sold over 10 million copies.
Although not a performing member of the band, Keith was one of the founding members alongside singer Gary Booker, who died in February 2022.
The band were originally together from 1967 to 1977 before reforming more than a decade later in 1991.
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