Richie Hayward was a drummer who is best known as a founding member and drummer in the band Little Feat. He was born on February 6, 1946 and died on August 12, 2010. He has performed with several bands and worked as a session player. In some small acting roles on television, Hayward also joined with friends like in an episode of F Troop.
Hayward was a founding member of Little Feat. As well as being a drummer he was also a part-time actor and had a small role in the 60s TV comedy F Troop.
In August 2009, Hayward announced that he had recently been diagnosed with liver cancer and would not be at work indefinitely. A benefit concert was organized, and a website created where fans unable to attend could donate towards his treatment costs. Hayward lived in Canada, outside of his native US, and did not have health insurance. Hayward died from complications of liver cancer on August 12, 2010, at the age of 64.
He was also a popular session musician, featuring on records for Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, The Doobie Brothers, Robert Palmer, Warren Zeveon, Tom Waits, Robert Plant and Bob Seger over the years.
Hayward announced in August 2009 that he was suffering from liver cancer. He told fans through the Little Feat website. “I have very recently been diagnosed with a severe liver disease,” he wrote. “I am looking at testing and treatments and a possible transplant, as well as an indefinite amount of time off”.
“I was trying to withhold this information until I could play my last three shows and give you all I could without distraction. (My last show will be August 7th in Montana).”
“Because I have no insurance, my friends here in Canada, where I live with my wife, wanted to help as soon as possible and launched information about a fundraiser and my situation, to bring in much needed funds asap. As it is a relatively small and local event, we were not expecting it to be noticed, and word got out before I was prepared to make this announcement”.
“Now that it has, please know that in no way did I mean to leave you out of the loop”.
“My intent is to come back to the band, as soon as I am physically able. Your love and support will mean a lot to me, more than I can say. I love and will miss you all, and I will see you again on the proud highway”.
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