Died On This Date (June 24, 2010) Pete Quaife / Original Bassist For The Kinks
Pete Quaife
December 31, 1943 – June 24, 2010
Pete Quaife is best remembered as the founding bassist for one of the most influential British Invasion bands, the Kinks. Formed with Dave Davies in the early ’60s, the band, which soon included Davies’ brother, Ray Davies and drummer, Mick Avory, went on to become one of the biggest hit makers from the UK during the mid to late ’60s. Quaife performed on such rock staples as “You Really Got Me,” “Stop Your Sobbing,” “Dedicated Follower of Fashion,” and “All Day and All of the Night.” He also acted as the spokesman for the band during his time with them. Following a serious car accident in 1966, Quaife left the group as a full-time member but played on a couple of albums until leaving permanently in 1969. He quickly formed his own band, Mapleoak, but it failed to catch on commercially, Quaife left the group and retired from the music business in 1971. He later moved to Canada where he earned a good living as a graphic artist. Quaife reunited with the Kinks for an encore at one of their Toronto stops in 1981, and in 1990, he joined them for a live performance at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1998, Quaife was diagnosed with renal failure for which he would undergo kidney dialysis up until his final days. Pete Quaife was 66 when he passed away on June 24, 2010.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.
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