Spinner

Little Feat Drummer Richie Hayward Battling Liver Cancer

Richie Hayward, the founding drummer of Little Feat, was recently diagnosed with liver cancer, forcing him to temporarily leave the band. Gabe Ford, Little Feat's drum tech, is stepping in for Hayward as the band is currently on tour.

"My intent is to come back to the band, as soon as I am physically able," Hayward, 63, said in a statement on the band's official Website. "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."

Paul Barrere, Little Feat's longtime guitarist, says the news of Hayward's condition as "devastating." "We were on the road," he tells Spinner. "I guess it was June when we came back and [Richie] was retaining all this water. He didn't know what was going on. It was basically his liver starting to shut down. They did the blood test and CAT scan and found three cancerous spots on his liver."

Hayward, who is living in Canada and has no health insurance, will be undergoing treatment next week, according to Barrere. Earlier this month, a benefit concert organized by musicians Bruce Barber and Les Butts was held at the Canyon Club in Los Angeles. The show, which featured such acts as Jackson Browne and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, raised money for Hayward's medical expenses.

Little Feat are working on mounting their own benefit concert for Hayward sometime in the future that could involve the participation of other major artists. "We're trying at this point to see if we can put together a big event to help supplement some of his healthcare costs," says Barrere.

An original 40-year member of Little Feat, Hayward has also worked with other musicians such as Robert Plant and Joan Armatrading. "He has a very distinctive style of drumming," says Barrere of his bandmate, "which is why so many drummers respect the heck out of him. He's one of a kind."

Barrere says that the last time he spoke with Hayward was a few days ago. "[Richie's] hanging in there," he says. "He's trying to be as positive as possible. He's sad that he can't be on the road. One of us calls him at least once a day just to keep his spirits up."

Although he is not currently with Little Feat, Hayward is still present in spirit when the band performs on stage. "Every night when we do 'Willin'' and 'Don't Bogart That Joint,' says Barrere, "we dedicate that to Richie. People sing along to some of the love and vibe."

For more information about the Benefit for Richie Hayward, visit www.richiehaywardbenefit.com or Sweet Relief.

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pdquick

There's something fishy about this story. If he's married to a Canadian and living in Canada, he is entitled to legal permanent resident status and full health benefits. You do not have to give up your U.S. citizenship to qualify for health care (or for Canadian citizenship, for that matter--you can be a dual national of the U.S. and Canada). In some provinces there is a 3-month waiting period.

July 22 2010 at 1:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jim

I've never had the chance to see Little Feat but I did catch Ritchie when he was drumming for Joan Armatrading.He's the one who stood out in her band who were all cracker-jack.Hopes for a speedy recovery.

March 28 2010 at 8:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
james tibbetts

Met Richie after a concert in N.H. He was particularly kind,and generous with his time. I wish him well.

February 20 2010 at 10:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob

Richie,

If you read this...I met you and Lowell one night in Rhode Island when you sat in with a local band...you were very kind to a 19 year old kid with a lot of stupid questions, and I have not forgotten. I am going to see the band for the first time in many years next week and was devastated to hear about your illness. The greatest and nicest drummer in rock and roll won't be there...except in spirit... but you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we can't wait to see the Feat again with you behind the kit.

Bob

December 30 2009 at 5:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
aggemae

stick in there uncle richie we love u!

December 27 2009 at 1:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to aggemae's comment
Bruce

"WHERE'S VANO"?........I toured with Richie in 1978 as a roadie for "Fuller - Kaz Band"......treated us (band & crew) as equals, my thoughts and prayers are with you brother Richie........Bruce

December 27 2009 at 2:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gymlock

"If you are a U.S. citizen living in Canada, it doesn't grant you the right to have Canadian health care" But if you're a Canadian citizen living in the United States you get treatment immediately, at the expense of us taxpayers. As a rule, though, if health insurance is not provided for us, we don't buy it. But I'll bet there's a nice car, guitar, or big screen in the picture, and plenty of money for partyin'. It's not political, it's about money -- MY money. I'D like to choose who to help or not help, not the government. Besides, the government eats up at least half of the money they get in bureaucracy. It just so happens that politics gets in our way from helping others by demanding we pay or suffer penalties. ----I was at the Canyon Club and gave nearly 1K--- THANKS, MICKEY!!

December 02 2009 at 3:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris

Sooooooooooooooooo SORRY to hear about Richies health. I'm a drummer and have LOVED Richie's drumming ever since I got my first Little Feat album "The Last Record Ambum".
I got to see Little Feat live after Lowel's passing. Unfortunitly I'm unemployed or I'd give money.
I sure hope those that have jobs and can give something do.
I want to take this time to THANK Richie for sharing your talent with the public. You NEVER sece to amaze me with your drumming talent and drive. Use that drive to kick this things ass. GOD BLESS!

Best Always
and in
ALL WAYS
LOVE,
Chris

October 29 2009 at 1:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cherie Lynnae

point taken... yet rather he did or didn't by insurance when he could, he is now facing the challenge of his life, without insurance to dictate what they will or will not do. My parents had insurance during their trials with cancer, and were dropped like hot potatoes leaving them devastated and about to loose their home.

And keep in mind probably best more than half the concerts these bands do, are charity events they make no money on but are helping others with causes, like for children, veterans, homeless, disasters, people just like them in the same situation, and I know this because I produce many of these types of shows and not usually will a musician or band turn me down to help, point in case the hundreds of artists who banded together Oct 4th for Richie. We take care of each other, regardless of our prior actions.

October 25 2009 at 6:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Miranda

Devastated by the news and sending lots of positive thoughts your way Richie! And fond memories of '75/'76 along with that picture of the bolt hole to insanity/sanity. All thses years later and it still has a good spot - just in another room in another place. I see it every day. Stay as strong and bolshi is you always were!!! You can do this, you know you can.

Miranda

October 25 2009 at 4:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cherie Lynnae

To help with the Richie Hayward Trust fund, so he doesnt have to claim donations as a income that is taxable please donate at any time to www.Sweetrelief.org and for the Richie Hayward trust. They pay all his bill from the money donated. This is where the benefit for Richie Hayward is being organized for his use. They have an ebay storefront from donated items for Richies benefit.

October 24 2009 at 11:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply