Iconic Australian guitarist Gavin Webb has sadly passed away after a six-year battle with cancer.
The bassist, best known as a founding member of the rock band Masters Apprentices, died at the age of 77 on Tuesday afternoon.
Bandmates Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton and Rick Morrison took to Facebook to confirm the sad news, with tributes from the music community.
They wrote: ‘Gavin came into our lives 60 years ago. He joined our band as a bassist and from that moment on he became another member of our family; Our brother.
‘We will miss our Gavin dearly and treasure the lifelong bond we will share forever, from Mustangs to Masters. Our love eternally ‘Spider’.’
Iconic Australian guitarist Gavin Webb has sadly passed away at the age of 77 after a six-year battle with cancer.
The tribute went on to praise Gavin’s incredible 60-year musical legacy and shared his condolences with his partner Sharon, his son Ben and the rest of his family.
He continued: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved bassist and founding member of ARIA Hall of Fame band The Masters Apprentices, Gavin Webb.
‘After being in remission for some years, Gavin passed away after a six-year battle with cancer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, April 16, 2024.
‘Gavin is survived by his son Ben and his partner Sharon, Gavin’s grandchildren Lucy, Noah and Matthew, nephews Darren and Jarrad and Jeanette Webb (wife of Gavin’s late brother Darrel, who died in 2021).
‘Although Gavin spoke softly, the few words he did say, he always made them count.
The bassist was best known as a founding member of rock band Masters Apprentices and tributes poured in for the beloved musician after the sad news of his passing.
‘Gavin’s band record from 1966 says his personal ambition is ‘to be a good musician’, a humble dream he would transcend.
‘Gavin leaves an incredible musical legacy that will live forever in Australian music history.
“With love, thoughts and prayers from fellow Masters and the team: Craig Holden, Bill Harrod, Dan Matejcic, Jasmin Watkins and Victor Marshall.”
Tributes quickly poured in from friends and devastated fans as they paid tribute to the Australian rock pioneer.
Gavin (pictured in 2001), known by his nickname Spider, was a founding member of The Masters Apprentices when it was formed in Adelaide in 1965.
They wrote: ‘My mom told me about the Masters, stories from the beat basement and beyond. She spoke so highly of Gavin that I’m pretty sure there are some photos of him in his collection. Very sad, thoughts are with his friends and family x’;
‘Sending love and strength to all who knew and loved Gavin, may he rest in peace’; ‘RIP Gavin…thanks for the music’;
‘RIP Gavin, thanks for the memories’; My deepest condolences to the Teachers, family and friends. May you rest Gavin’;
‘How sad RIP Gavin. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends; ‘Thanks for the memories Spider, you spoke through your musical ship. Take advantage of.’
Gavin is pictured with his The Masters Apprentices bandmates Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton, Peter Tilbrook and Rick Morrison in 2001.
Gavin, known by his nickname Spider, was a founding member of The Masters Apprentices when it was formed in Adelaide back in 1965.
He left the band in April 1968 due to stomach ulcers and was replaced by Glenn Wheatley until the group’s breakup in 1972.
Gavin had rejoined the group for several reunion shows in recent years, and the band has been touring since reuniting for the 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival.