Little Feat Drummer Richie Hayward Battling Liver Cancer
- Posted on Oct 23rd 2009 12:00PM by David Chiu
- Comments (30)
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.





Reader Comments(1 of 2)
Patat 10-24-2009
I'm always sorry to hear this kind of thing about anyone. Keep up the fight. I do have a question: I thought Canada was the health care model we are supposed to copy. How come a guy discovered he had cancer in June isn't getting treatment until October? And we are told EVERYONE is covered in Canada. Why do they need a fundraiser? These are important non-political questions that need to be asked and answered before we jump off this bridge. In the meantime, all the best to Richie.
mdcaverat 10-24-2009
Yeah, that sentence about Hayward living in Canada and not having health insurance caught my attention, too. This is what bothers me about what may be forced upon us by our government. I'm becoming more skeptical every day. Likewise, I wish Richie Hayward the best of luck in his fight.
Teddyat 10-24-2009
The reason it has taken a while for him to get treated is he is still a citizen here, his wife is Canadian. They moved up there a few years back. It takes time to get in their system. (At least they have one!) If you want to help you can still donate to www.richiehaywardbenefit.com
Cherie Lynnaeat 10-24-2009
First of all he is living in Canada because he married a Canadian, and they do not give him help because of a marriage. He is an American citizen still, and can not get benefits in America because his residence is in Canada.
On another note, canadian medical benefits refuse to treat you after a certain point in cancer, and he is there, also most cnadians come here for cancer treatment because you cant get an appointment with a doctor for months there and treatment is worse.
We need fundraisers to help him over this hump. WE can get him treatment in the states, but cash only basis.
Bobbyat 10-25-2009
First, I met Richie in London when he was playing with Robert Plant and I with Steve Winwood. He has always been one of my favorite drummers and a great guy.Second,thanks to the person for saying that about Canada. People, be human for a change and STOP MAKING EVERY SENTENCE OF ANYTHING ANYONE SAYS A REASON TO MAKE A POLITICAL STATEMENT. What is wrong with you morons...we're talking about an amazing drummer and great human, not HEALTH CARE! If you are a U.S. citizen living in Canada, it doesn't grant you the right to have Canadian health care. My thoughts and positive energy go out to Richie and his family. I think everyone should be doing the same.
Merrilyat 10-24-2009
In answer to your question and the uproar you raised, see what Teddy said. In other words, being a citizen is the key.
Darlene Rhoadsat 10-24-2009
My aunt passed away in 1981 from cancer of the liver not a pretty site.
billat 10-24-2009
Hey there "Mother" figure. What the heck does this have to do with a man suffering a devastating disease? Go babysit a Boy!!!!!!!And you are most assuredly NOT AGELESS
Joanat 10-26-2009
Thoughts and prayers are with you. I discovered Little Feat back in the mid 70's here on the East Coast, going to your gigs in the DC area, your drumming central to the beat. You've played in my home city of Falls Church, VA at the State Theatre - that has been a treat for us here. Last time I was able to catch you was at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA - wonderful/amazing concert at that venue. I hope you've found our East Coast welcomes warm and embracing as we have found you and the band. Our family road trips always have Little Feat via the music system of the era. You were the first live concert for my oldest son when he was like 11 years old at Constitution Hall, 3rd row back, he had listened to the vinyls, and live blew him away! I've sent out the word to those followers I know, hope in these hard times we are having we can spread a little hard earned green up your way to make the expenses a little easier. All the best to you and your family, keep your spirits up, and keep on truckin'
Lucieat 10-24-2009
Richie Hayward was born in Iowa. Unless he gave up his U.S. citizenship and applied for Canadian (which I am guessing he did not), he is not entitled automatically to Canadian health insurance. It is a pretty good bet he did not. Non-citizens who are living in Canada can get it, but they MUST APPLY for it. I'm so sick of everything on these comments boards turning to politics!
That said, I, too, remember loving the music of Little Feat back in the 70's. I hope he can get the care and support he needs.
Foxmanat 10-24-2009
It always amazed me how a drummer from Iowa could swing as if he'd grown up in New Orleans. Richie, and Little Feat have been the type of musicians I've always tried to get my bands to play like. I'm wishing him well in this battle, and look forward to seeing him perform again soon.
Brendanat 10-24-2009
Our prayers go out to Richie and his family, including of course all the folks associated with Little Feat. The band has brought us great music not only during the Lowell George era, but after they reunited. I have been lucky enough to see them in venues ranging from Anaheim Stadium, opening for the Who, to the Whiskey opening for Steven Stills, at a benefit for another musician, Jerry Aiello, I believe, to the Pantages when they first got back together. May all the good vibes Richie and his mates have shared with us bring good karma back at him now. Feets Don't Fail Them Now!
Brendanat 10-24-2009
Seriously , someone should let cougars hunt somewhere else. Trying to take advantage of others' pain is reprehensible. I hope the moderator will remove this thread ASAP.
duncanmax912at 10-24-2009
I too discovered Little Feat here on the east coast in the
70's and soon became a huge fan... outside of the Allman bros. I don't think there is a better live band touring
today!! Best wishes to Ritchie with this horrible illness,
I too have lost a loved one to cancer and it is one of the worst diseases to deal with.
Fat Man in a bathtubat 10-24-2009
Bonnie Raitt says that musicians can't get health insurance because major insurance companies consider them "too high a risk". Is that true? Do musicians even try to get insurance?
Lisa Haleyat 10-24-2009
There is no restriction in insurance company criterion about being a self-employed musician and qualifying for health insurance.
What Bonnie is probably talking about is in her case she would be high-risk due to the increased danger of constant travel, danger of crowd abuse, etc.
FYI: every Union musician qualifies for the AFM self-pay healthcare plan with no exclusion for pre-existing conditions.
I have been insured by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Healthnet, etc under their self-employed plan.
We performed for Richie's benefit at Canyon Club and we are praying for his full recovery! Go Richie!!
- Lisa Haley
Warren Peaceat 10-24-2009
why the hell do we care what kind of men you like, why you have trouble meeting them, etc. And post where nonsense crap like that belongs next time.
Pamat 10-25-2009
All the best to Richie, and I wish him well in his battle. All things considered, I think he'd be smart to come back to the U.S. for treatment, insurance or not. Seriously ill people should not wait in line.
Lindaat 10-24-2009
I'm not very familiar with the band but I wish him a lot of luck in his fight. I am 53 and need a liver transplant; hoping it doesn't turn cancerous.
Nathan Samplesat 10-25-2009
Sorry folks, healthcare IS all about "politics", funny how there is ALWAYS money for war, yet NONE for taking care of a hard working American artist who has brought joy to MILLIONS, including myself since the mighty Feat first hit the scene. People here need to WAKE UP, EVERYTHING, including the very SURVIVAL of the human race is "political", but to quote DAVE MASON:"In a web of gleaming jewels, there hangs a sleeping FOOL", all of us will pay in the end for the Rightist, pro business bent of America.