Dave

Dave Mason, a founding member of the British psychedelic rock band Traffic who wrote some of their best-known songs including “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Hole in My Shoe,” has died. He was 79.

The singer and guitarist died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nev., his publicist confirmed to the Associated Press. No cause of death was given.

“On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, [Mason] sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the maltese) at his feet,” said a post shared Tuesday on the musician’s Instagram page. “He passed away peacefully, in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end.”

“He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever,” the tribute concluded.

Mason canceled his 2024 tour dates after doctors “detected a serious heart condition” during a routine check-up that required “immediate medical attention.” He was expected to make “a full and successful recovery” after treatments. He later announced his retirement from touring in 2025, citing “ongoing health challenges.”

Born May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, Mason was a teenager when he joined singer and keyboardist-guitarist Steve Winwood, drummer Jim Capaldi and woodwind player Chris Wood to form Traffic in 1967. The band was known for its psychedelic sound that blended elements (and instruments) of rock, blues, R&B and jazz.

Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 for his work with Traffic, but the musician had a fraught history with the group.

“We did some good stuff,” Mason told The Times in 1995. “We were young kids. The first song I wrote was their first big hit in England (‘Hole in My Shoe’). But I was only 19 years old and couldn’t handle all the fame, really. It was just too much.”

He explained that after he left the band the first time, he was asked to come back because “they didn’t have enough songs for a second album,” while he had written “five or six” including “Feelin’ Alright?” The song, now considered a classic rock staple, has been covered by multiple artists including Joe Cocker, Huey Lewis, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips and Grand Funk Railroad.

“Then I found out that Steve [Winwood] didn’t really care for my stuff,” Mason said. “From my point of view, I think [our] differences made something better. … But it just pulled too much I suppose, and they couldn’t work it. I was more or less forced into having to leave.”

Mason’s subsequent solo career included three gold albums: his 1970 debut “Alone Together” — which featured hits like “Only You Know and I Know,” “Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave” and “World in Changes;” 1974’s “Dave Mason” and 1978’s “Mariposa de Oro.” His 1977 album “Let It Flow” was certified platinum.

He also collaborated with other notable acts such as Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and Fleetwood Mac.

Winwood shared a tribute to his bandmate on Wednesday on Instagram.

“Dave was part of Traffic during its earliest chapter, and played an important role in shaping the band’s sound and identity during that time,” said the caption accompanying a photo of a young Mason. “His songwriting, musicianship and distinctive spirit helped create music that has lasted far beyond its era, and continues to mean so much to listeners around the world.”

“Those years remain a special part of the band’s story, and Dave’s contribution to them is not forgotten,” Winwood continued. “His place in that history will always be remembered, and through the music, his presence endures.”

Mason is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, daughter Danielle, nephew John Leonard, niece Michelle Leonard and his brothers-in-law, Sloan Wilson and Walton Wilson.

Spectators have been told to stay away from Durham’s Riverside ground at Chester-le-Street after it was hit by Storm Dave overnight.

The start of the third day’s play in the County Championship Division Two match between Durham and Kent has been delayed.

A club statement said “damage has been caused within the venue” and fans have been advised to stay away.

The statement continued: “The club have been in discussions with the match officials and venue staff this morning and following the impact on the pitch and structures within the ground it is confirmed that play will not commence on time, and a further update will be provided in due course.

“The safety of all in attendance is our number one priority in any decisions we make.”

The extent of the damage at the Riverside, an international cricket venue, has not yet been disclosed.

BBC Breakfast’s weather presenter promised it wasn’t all bad news for this holiday weekend

One of the hosts of BBC Breakfast shared their own warning to viewers who might be planning an Easter egg hunt this weekend.

The morning show returned to screens on Saturday (April 4) for another regular instalment despite it being an extended bank holiday weekend. As usual, it delivered the day’s top stories from the UK and across the world, including the latest from Iran and updates over the Artemis II launch.

Today’s show was presented by Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt as they provided the latest on the headlines and more. One of the biggest stories of the latest edition of the show was weather updates ahead of the expected arrival of Storm Dave hitting the country.

Ahead of the latest update Naga had her own message for viewers at home. She told the audience: “It is Easter weekend. If you’re out on an Easter egg hunt, perhaps you may need to time it. I think Louise is going to tell us more about that.”

It seems that Naga was advising those at home they may have only a limited time to mark Easter Sunday before the effects of Storm Dave are felt. However, BBC Breakfast’s weather presenter Louise Lear began her report by saying: “I don’t want you all to think the weather is going to be hideous because of Storm Dave.”

She emphasised that it is later today that the storm is due to hit, addressing those who might be wondering when the worst of the weather is due to begin. She added: “There is some tricky weather out there, particularly overnight.”

Multiple weather warnings are currently in place across the UK over the weekend with gusts between 70 – 90mph from later today until tomorrow morning.

This could threaten many people’s plans for this Easter holiday weekend and, as Naga hinted, present limited time if you often take part in Easter egg hunts outside.

Storm Dave is due to hit parts of the UK over the weekend and could cause disruption to travel plans. It is expected to hit hardest on Saturday evening, before beginning to weaken on Sunday as it moves into the North Sea. Louise did end her report by predicting that Easter Monday will be the ‘better’ day of the three this weekend.

The Met Office’s forecast said: “A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, will cross Scotland on Saturday night before clearing into the North Sea on Sunday.”

Those travelling during the warning period have been told there could be disruption on the roads as well as on rail, air and ferry services. There could also be dangerous conditions from large waves along the coastline as well as gusts of up to 90mph in exposed areas.

The Met Office also warned some areas could experience power cuts, while warning “injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible”. Earlier, the RAC predicted it would be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022.

BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and streams on iPlayer.

There is a risk of significant travel disruption during what is predicted to be the busiest Easter weekend in four years for drivers.

Bridges could close and ferry services may be cancelled, with possible delays to planes, trains and buses.

Rough seas and large waves will bring dangerous conditions around the coasts.

Parts of north-west Scotland are also covered by a Met Office yellow warning for rain and snow.

At low levels, especially in the Western Isles and Skye, up to 50mm (2in) of rain could fall with the potential for flooding.

Meanwhile hills and mountains above 200m (650ft) are likely to see snow, with 5-10cm (2-4in) expected to accumulate, and a small chance of 20cm (8in) in a few places.

Coupled with the strong winds this could give blizzards, snowdrifts and very poor visibility on the roads.