Jamiroquai bassist Derek McIntyre has died in a car accident at age 66, his family announced in a statement Friday.
The musician, who rose to fame as part of the funk and acid jazz band with vocalist Jay Kay, died following a five-car collision in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on February 2.
His family told Hertfordshire Police: “Our father, Derrick McIntyre, was a proud father, husband, brother, son, uncle, grandfather and friend.”
‘He had a passion for music, played bass for most of his life and blessed tracks with his wonderful bass line for the likes of Jamiroquai, Roy Ayers, Beverley Knight and many more.
“Dad was a great man who influenced many who came into contact with him, inspiring and encouraging whenever he could.”
Jamiroquai bassist Derek McIntyre has died in a car accident at age 66, his family announced in a statement Friday.
They concluded: ‘No amount of words can sum up how special our father was to all of us, not just within our individual bonds, but as a whole. We will always miss his love, humor and presence and will continue to spread his light. Until we meet again.’
Bandmate Jay added: “It is with great sadness that I hear the sad news of the passing of Derrick McIntyre. He was a pleasure to work with and a magnificently talented musician.
‘My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow musicians who worked with him. Thinking of you at the big concert in heaven Derrick. J.’
hertfordshire police confirmed his death and said they are seeking more information: ‘The family of an ‘inspirational’ man who sadly died in a collision in #Bushey have paid tribute.
“Derrick McIntyre, aged 66, who lived in #Watford, was involved in the collision on the morning of February 2 and sadly died at the scene.”
Officers were called at around 7.38am on February 2 to a collision on the A41 North Western Avenue involving five vehicles.
Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler, of the Highway Policing Unit, added: “Our thoughts remain with Derrick’s family and friends at this sad time.
‘Our officers continue to establish the full circumstances of this incident and we continue to appeal for information. If you were driving through the area and saw what happened, or have any dash cam footage that could help our investigation, please contact us.
Bandmate Jay added: “It is with great sadness that I hear the sad news of the passing of Derrick McIntyre. He was a pleasure to work with and a magnificently talented musician.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed his death and said they are seeking further information about the collision.
Derrick joined the band in 1994 and began work on their second album, The Return of the Space Cowboy, on which he played drums and peaked at number 2 in the UK.
He went on to record six more albums with the band, playing drums and bass, including 2005’s Dynamite.
Other credits include tours with Roy Ayers, The Jazz Crusaders and Cliff Richard, as well as working alongside Beverly Knight, Will Young, Emily Sande and John Newman.