Jamiroquai bassist Derek McIntyre has died in car crash aged 66, his family announced in a statement on Friday.
The musician, who rose to fame as part of the funk and acid jazz band alongside vocalist Jay Kay, passed away following a five car collision in Bushey, Hertfordshire on February 2.
His family told Hertfordshire Police: ‘Our dad, Derrick McIntyre, was a proud dad, husband, brother, son, uncle, grandfather and friend.
‘He had a passion for music, playing the bass guitar for most of his life and blessing tracks with his groovy bassline for folks such as Jamiroquai, Roy Ayers, Beverley Knight and many more.
‘Dad was a great man who influenced many that came into contact with him, inspiring and encouraging every chance he could.’
Jamiroquai bassist Derek McIntyre has died in car crash aged 66, his family announced in a statement on Friday
They concluded: ‘No amount of words can sum up just how special our dad was to us all – not only within our individual bonds, but as a whole. We will forever miss his love, humour and presence and will continue to spread his light. Until we meet again.’
His bandmate Jay added: ‘It is with great sorrow that I hear the sad news of Derrick McIntyre’s passing. He was a joy to work with and a superbly talented musician.
‘My thoughts are with his family, friends and fellow musicians who worked with him. Thinking of you at the great gig in the sky Derrick. J.’
Hertfordshire police confirmed his death and said they are looking for more information: ‘The family of an ‘inspiring’ man who sadly died in a collision in #Bushey have paid tribute.
‘Derrick McIntyre, aged 66, who lived in #Watford, was involved in the collision on the morning of 2 February and sadly passed away at the scene.’
Officers were called at around 7.38am on 2 February to a collision on the A41 North Western Avenue involving five vehicles.
Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler, from the Road Policing Unit, added: ‘Our thoughts remain with Derrick’s family and friends at this sad time.
‘Our officers are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident, and we are still appealing for information. If you were driving in the area and saw what happened, or have any dash cam footage that might help our investigation, please contact us.’
His bandmate Jay added: ‘It is with great sorrow that I hear the sad news of Derrick McIntyre’s passing. He was a joy to work with and a superbly talented musician’
Hertfordshire police confirmed his death and said they are looking for more information regarding the collision
Derrick joined the band in 1994 and began working on their second album The Return of the Space Cowboy, on which he played drums, it peaked at number 2 in the UK.
He went on to record six more albums with the band, playing both drums and bass, including 2005’s Dynamite.
Other credits include tours with Roy Ayers, The Jazz Crusaders and Cliff Richard as well as working alongside Beverly Knight, Will Young, Emily Sande, John Newman.
