Robert Taylor, the former lead guitarist of the renowned New Zealand rock band Dragon, has passed away, as announced by a former band member.

Taylor was a pivotal member of Dragon during their heyday in the late 1970s, contributing to iconic tracks like “Are You Old Enough” and “April Sun in Cuba.”

Kerry Jacobson, who shared the stage with Taylor as the drummer during much of that era, conveyed the “unexpected and devastating news” of Taylor’s passing through social media.

Describing Taylor as “irreplaceable,” Jacobson referred to him as his “mentor,” “partner in crime,” “musical comrade,” and “dear friend of decades.”

In his tribute, Jacobson remarked on the enduring admiration for Taylor’s songwriting and musical skills, noting that even after many years, people continue to speak with deep respect about Taylor’s talent and his significant impact on Australian music.

“I admired his loyalty, I treasured his mateship, I valued his consistency and I absolutely loved it when often the phone would ring and he was up for a chat.”

The New Zealand-born Taylor played with Dragon from 1974 to 1979, and then again from 1982 to 1985.

“He had a dry wit, was a keen observer and had a memory like a razor but mostly he was just one of the good ones,” Jacobson said.

“That’s what has stuck in my head today, ‘he was one of the good ones’ and I think that sums it up. I will miss him terribly.”