Legendary New Zealand musician Frank Gibson Jr. died on Wednesday aged 79.

The Auckland-based drummer was born in 1946 to popular NZ musician Frank Gibson Sr. and was one of the country’s most celebrated performers.

His death was confirmed on social media by singer Leo Sayer, a close friend.

‘A marvellous man, an incredible player. The years we worked and toured together, gigs played all over the world, come back to me now in wonderful flashbacks,’ Leo began.

‘We talked jazz endlessly, boring the pants off most of the other guys in the band. My sincerest condolences.’

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Legendary New Zealand musician Frank Gibson Jr. died on Wednesday aged 79

The beloved musician performed with some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Sayer, Elton John, Dusty Springfield and The Temptations. 

He moved to the UK in 1977 to advance his musical career and became a sought-after session and touring musician who shared the stage with world-famous names.

Gibson also performed with many esteemed NZ musicians, including John Hanlon, Malcolm McNeill, Alan Broadbent and Dave MacRae. 

His daughter Becky shared a heartfelt tribute to her father on social media.

‘Yesterday I lost my incredible father. A drumming virtuoso, he had an incredible near 70 year career,’ she began.

‘He is featured on over 250 records, playing alongside Elton John, Brian May, Rick Wakeman of Yes, the Walker Brothers and even David Hasselhoff.

‘But more than a list of names and accomplishments, he leaves behind a legacy of art and kindness. 

‘He overcame so much in his life to be the sweet, sensitive man I will always remember him as.’

The Auckland-based drummer was born in 1946 to popular NZ musician Frank Gibson Sr. and was one of the country’s most celebrated performers

The beloved musician performed with some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Leo Sayer, Elton John, Dusty Springfield and The Temptations

Other career highlights include performing at the opening ceremony of the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland. 

His musical journey began at the age of eight with a drum duet at the Auckland Town Hall alongside his renowned father.

He played in local NZ jazz bands as a teenager, paving the way for a lifelong career in music.

Gibson co-founded a jazz-fusion band called Dr Tree in 1971, and later formed Space Case in the early 80s, focusing on jazz funk across three studio albums.

The energetic performer also played drums for the soundtrack of the 1982 NZ action movie Battletruck, starring Police Rescue actor Marshall Napier.

He is survived by his two children Becky and Frank III.