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Richie Hayward Obituary
The drummer had been suffering from liver cancer and died Thursday at a hospital near Vancouver, Canada, after complications of pneumonia, his publicist, Bridget Nolan, confirmed Friday.
"He was waiting for a liver transplant," Nolan said. Over the past year, benefits had been staged on Hayward's behalf; he had no health insurance.
In a letter to fans last August, Hayward wrote about his predicament, but sounded hopeful: "My intent is to come back to the band, as soon as I am physically able. 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."
He last performed with the band on July 11.
Hayward helped form Little Feat in 1969, along with frontman Lowell George, Bill Payne and Roy Estrada. The jamband mixed a variety of genres including rock, country, jazz and blues, and were known for songs like "Willin." The group fell apart in 1979 after George died, but reformed in 1987, and had been a fixture on the touring circuit.
Besides his work with Little Feat, Hayward also performed with acts including Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Buddy Guy and Barbra Streisand.
He is survived by his wife, Shauna Drayson-Heyward, and eight children.
165 Entries
Harry Simpson
August 12, 2017
Godspeed Richie, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Cindy Corbett
February 7, 2013
Can't believe it almost 3 years since you left this earth Richie...May you be rocking out in peace in heaven.
How you can show support
Gary Griffin
December 6, 2012
Richie was an amazing drummer,a delicetable nusance to the ear,I enjoyed hearing him play,although I never had the pleasure of meeting him,his work inspires me to play harder,faster & better,thank U Richie,and may GOD Bless his family,Rev Gary A.Griffin.
jack jalove
December 30, 2010
late getting to a feat acoustic set at a tower record store i found a place to stand in the doorway entrance effectively stage right
about 15 mins along a guy walked up
nudged in next to me i noticed green leather oxfords shoes kinda outre sure
but his was a cool vibe so personal space violation waiver no prob
we watched the set in silence applauding songs done
mini-concert finished a table was set up for the band to sit and talk some w/ customers/fans
green shoes guy took a seat at the table and i realized finally id watched
little feat standing beside richie hayward
this was 15 years ago now 'easy to slip' my fave feat song he sang harmony w/ lowell it has such a deceptively intricate drum pattern
he was an artist
i just learned of this sad news today
peace richie man music lives forever
One of a Kind
John Zimmer
August 20, 2010
Richie was one reason my son Darren took up the drums. .. I took Darren to his first Little Feat concert when he was 8 years old at the Tower Theater...wish I had a picture on Darren's face when Richie started the concert with the intro to ..."Fat Man".
Darren and I were lucky to spend some time with Richie and his son Sev at Feat-camp a few years back and Richie really took extra time showing Darren some of his special moves and explaining not only what but how !!! A Great musician and teacher and person.
John Zimmer
Don Bartenstein
August 20, 2010
Goodbye to a beautiful friend. A piece of the soundtrack to my life is missing now.... One of the highlights of going to see Little Feat when they pass through the area is the time I got to spend saying hello to these wonderful people. It will now be a little bittersweet....
Scarlett (Laurie) Weisberg
August 20, 2010
I know that Richie is surrounded by so much love and light, and that he is resting in peace. I am grateful for the music, as that will keep his memory alive. I send my love and condolences to all of his family and his closest friends and the fans who knew and loved him. I know he will be missed by many for a long long time.
Rebecca Hopper
August 19, 2010
RIP Richie and God Bless your children, Rachell, Daniel, Sevrin, and Natalie and the entire family. We will miss you dearly.
August 18, 2010
My condolences to the Hayward family and loved ones. May the "God of all comfort" be with you.
August 17, 2010
It's another day the music died. Thanks for all the good songs and the great memories that went along with it. You will be missed. God bless your family, friends, and the band. Betsy Russell (Newport News, Va.)
Debi Boli
August 17, 2010
We always played your music in my hippie van rolling down the highway! You will be missed. My thoughts and Prayers are with your wife and children. You are healthy again and in paradise!!
Love, Debi (North Canton, Ohio)
"mugsy"
August 17, 2010
as a bartender of many years, we always played you on the jukebox..your spirit rocks on...xo
mike kosmala
August 16, 2010
R.I.P Richie thank you for all your music.
Izzi Smith
August 16, 2010
Sad day and he will be missed. I know Lowell and Richie are forming their new band. God bless his wife and children.
Tommy D
August 16, 2010
You can put the load on me Ritche just put the load on me. Let GOD take care of you now.
Diana Reynolds
August 16, 2010
Thanks for the music. Rest in peace Richie.
Bill
August 16, 2010
RIP to the man who put the beat to the FEAT.Say hi to Lowell for me. I will catch a set when I get to heaven.
August 16, 2010
Godspeed Richie. Thanks for the music.
Jim Moran
August 16, 2010
A true loss to the music world,,, Richie and Little Feat inspired so many up and coming artists.
We'll miss you man, may God bless,,,, and rest easy brother
joan
August 16, 2010
I met Richie in CT about 12 years ago. Real nice guy and great drummer...he kept that Feat momentum rolling. You will be missed Richie. We are so lucky to have you to listen to and smile. Family - Oh so sorry.
Craig Young
August 16, 2010
Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy to Shauna and family, and to all the cast of Little Feat and us fans too who will miss him greatly. I imagine that heaven is a little bit of a hipper place with Richie drivin the band there!
John Herrel
August 16, 2010
You made a difference, and a good one at that. My prayers are with your family, friends and fans, that they remember you as the true inspiration you were. Hope to see you here soon.
Jacki Franco
August 16, 2010
R.I.P. Richie, we loved you.
Portia
August 16, 2010
The music will live on forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Richie's family.
Barbara Bradley
August 16, 2010
A real loss. Little Feat was a terrific band. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
GiLMA&OVIDIO SALDIVAR
August 16, 2010
OUR LOVE AND PRAYER FOR ALL THE FAMILY.
Lorraine
August 16, 2010
RIP Richie...
A FAN
August 16, 2010
Upstate New York loved Little Feat, saw them in the early 80's and have been a fan ever since.Rest in peace Richie and keep on jammin'.
Lisa Bailey
August 16, 2010
enjoyed hearing you play man.. will keep you family our prayers..Lisa Lowery Bailey
Harrison
August 16, 2010
Richie will always be an "is", never a "was" and will be so very missed!
Our prayers are with his family during this time.
August 16, 2010
Thanks very much Richie. There'll never be another to smack like you. I'll miss your sound.
Darrell
August 16, 2010
Truly a man of great inspiration thru his music and his life. Your music and legacy will be with us all forever.
Dan Panella
August 16, 2010
To the Hayward Family,
As a fan of Richie's musicianship and a fan of Little Feat, I am deeply saddened of Richie's passing.
May Heaven be dancin' with Richie's wonderful rhythms!
He truly could cut time with his beats...
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Shirley Griffin
August 16, 2010
I am truley sorry for your loss may the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief.
Kara Day
August 16, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family and extended family, the Band, and all the Fans of Little Feat. Rest in peace.
Kent Simcox
August 16, 2010
So sorry to read this news.
A fantastic drummer who will be missed dearly.
I'm sure he & Lowell are jammin in Heaven!
Phil Harrison
August 16, 2010
You guys defined a generation,Rest in Peace Richie
August 15, 2010
Shocked to lose such a talent. I met Roy Estrada in 1968. He was with Zappa at the time. I watched Little Feat become one of my all time favorite bands. Meeting Estrada made me feel that I owned a litle piece of the band. Rock on, Dude.
August 15, 2010
I love their music. It was a Bonnie Raitt endorsement in '73 that turned me on to them, and I've been a fan ever since. Thanks, Richie.
August 15, 2010
We offer our deepest and sincerest
condolences. Truly, death
is not an easy thing to accept, your
grief and mourning can be great. The
Bible's account assures us that death
will be swallowed up forever. Our
Lord and Savior Christ Jesus will
resurrect Mr. Richie Hayward.
joseph
August 15, 2010
thank you mr hayward for all the great music!!! only had a chance to see you perform a couple of times but they made a lasting impression!!! may you rest in peace......
Michelle Davis
August 15, 2010
GOD is truly forming a magnificent band in Heaven! You will be missed, but never forgotten!!
"DOC"
August 15, 2010
Many thoughts of peace and contentment to his Family, Friends, and the Entire Little Feat Band and Community. Gone but never forgotten. Long Live the Feat!
"DOC"
August 15, 2010
Hopefully, he has passed on more peacefully than the fight that he fought, to play with the Band of Renown in Heaven, he deserved all of it. Thanks for the memories and the music. Long live the Feat!
August 15, 2010
Rest In Peace
B. Hux
August 15, 2010
Oh Atlanta ---
says farewell, may God bless you and your family
RON QUINONES
August 15, 2010
YOUR MUSIC HAS HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE SINCE MY COLLEGE DAYS R.I.P. RICHIE HAYWARD
Joel Ragusa
August 15, 2010
August 15th 2010
My prayers are with you and your family.
He and his music will always be rememebered.
CINDY
August 15, 2010
REST IN PEACE
August 15, 2010
What a loss. My teanage years would not have been the same without the wonderful, fun songs of Little Feat.
Rhonda Weeks
August 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He touched so many lives with his God Given talent of music.
Rhonda Weeks
Vicksburg, MS
Greg Leszek
August 15, 2010
RIP.... Playing with Lowell George again
Carolyn Neumann Dejavanne
August 15, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of yet another rocker from "my era" who has left us.
As a teen in the '70's, I grew up listening to the Feat, took 'em away to
college with me, and have been a fan ever since. They play some of my favorite road trip music - you just can't get drowsy with Little Feat jammin out . . . I think sometimes I was groovin' so hard, my muscle
car would shimmy on the road - good times!! You will be terribly missed, but at least we have your music to ease the pain. Condolences to your family, friends, and fans . . . ROCK ON!!!
DeAnn Emberton
August 14, 2010
So sorry to hear of his passing. One of my favorite bands growing up. And in their words....Time Loves A Hero.....
Richard Adelman
August 14, 2010
Everytime Richie played live or on tape,
it might as well have been the first time.
That's how unique and exciting his playing was. Mouth moving,hands and "FEAT" mesmorizing as he brought a smile to our faces always.
Love and Peace to family and friends
R Adelman Hillsborough NC
Janice Adelman
August 14, 2010
When Words Fail;Music Speaks. My drummer husband and I believe this to be true. We lost another gemstone in our music world. So sorry for your loss family and for Little Feat sorry Paul. May you find peace knowing Richie is at rest;the battle is over. Amazing that you could share musically
just a short time ago.Wow Rock On with Richie's spirit
August 14, 2010
College wouldn't have been the same without your music--especially Dixie Chicken!!
Pamela Witman
August 14, 2010
Peace in my heart continues beatin' in heaven, soul brother, please wait for the rest of us to arrive.... we loved us so much..p.
Hannah Hastings
August 14, 2010
I knew Richie well. My dad and I would help the band out when they toured near us. I remember one concert whenever I was backstage, and Richie turned to me and started to sing "Let it roll" to me. I will never forget that moment. I will miss Richie so much. He was a great man, and I am honored to have known him so well.
Chris Hastings
August 14, 2010
Wow, the world will be a sadder place without Richie and his drumming and his sense of humour. Richie was a friend for the last 10 years or so and my family will miss him dearly. There has never been nor will be a drummer as much fun to watch and listen to as Richie. His family is in our prayers.
L.G. Bavaro
August 14, 2010
Richie, my mentor and hero, I am who I am because of you, Incredible drum teacher. you inspired me to one-up myself,I last saw you in 1995 with my wife (1st date)at an outdoor concert, alone in the audience because of a downpour,Frnt row couple of security guards. LF came on stage, you even had my girl wanting to play the drums.and you still played as if there were 20,000 people there. we never stopped talking about it. God Bless, L.G.Bavaro
Paul Groner
August 14, 2010
Man oh Manischewitz, this is gonna be the hottest ticket in heaven! Lowell and Richie jammin' like 1976, only better, onnacounta they gots ever-body you could want backin' em up! Iffn' y'all thunked that we was blessed while Richie was here, think 'bout how
evr'bodys feelin' up there?!?!
Whadda Gig, huh?
David Kissinger
August 14, 2010
What a talent enjoyed little feat music for a long time. Tried to induce our first child at a little feat concert in ac nj, the bass was supposed to help. He was born the next day. Richie will be missed by all
Mary Mitchell
August 14, 2010
Got hit by a wave of sadness when I heard that Richie left. My hope is that his family is comforted to know how many of us get giggly when we listen to Little Feat and we are glad to have known Richie and have him speak to us still.
Larry Burr
August 14, 2010
Everyone knows what a great drummer Richie was. Not everyone knows, what a kind, generous, humorous, giving person person he was. He will be remembered by all his fans all over the world. I will miss him tremendously!
MARK BODEN
August 14, 2010
Richie and his sister Donna were two of my friends in Newton and Ames Iowa.
Richie was a protector of younger kids when older kids tried to push them around. I saw him as a sensitive caring older guy to look up to.
He was willing to encourage some of us younger kids and he was always the friendly guy to yell your name down the street.
He went a long way from the sleepy towns of Newton and Ames.
My deepest condolence to Richies family
Mark E. Lampert-Boden
[email protected]
debbie m
August 14, 2010
Richie, your music will live on forever; I have enjoyed every beat of it. My thoughts and prayer go out to Shauna, his immediate and extended family. You will be missed by many, but I'm sure you were greeted by many upon your arrival to your new home. May the rainbows be brighter because of you. Let the heaven's rock & roll !!!
Wanda Henry
August 14, 2010
My deepest sympathy are for the family & friends of Richie Hayward. Death is not a easy thing to deal with. Losing someone you loved is painful. "For Jehovah is our judge, Jehovah is our statute-giver, Jehovah is our King, He himself will save us." From this painful thing.
Shana Krell
August 14, 2010
Oh! What sad news! I'm heartbroken for his family and friends and grateful for all the wonderful music he helped create.
MJ Boyd
August 14, 2010
Richie, you left a legacy of music. Thank You!
Chuck Early
August 14, 2010
Play a song with Jerry up there okay? Love you man
T Dean
August 14, 2010
If you like country with a boogie beat he's the man to meet
If you like the sound of shufflin' feet he can't be beat
If you wanna feel real nice, just ask the Rock and Roll doctor's advice
RIP Richie.
You will be missed.
Sherry Bunch
August 14, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Richie's death....I just saw Little Feat here in Richmond...they are an awesome band and my prayers go out to the rest of the band as well as to his family. Another musician joining heavens rock n roll band...what a band it must be!! RIP Richie. S. Bunch
Richmond,VA.
Stephanie Pickering
August 14, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss - and the loss the music industry suffers as well. I saw Little Feat in 1979 and it is one of my fondest memories. He will be missed. God bless the Tennessee man. Rest in peace.
Kevin Hagerty
August 14, 2010
From Dixie Chicken to Fat Man In The Bath to Long Distance Love and many others, thanks for the music and memories. God bless you, your family and all those that you touch with your music.
August 14, 2010
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about,for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness." Isaiah 41:10 San Diego,CA.
steve a
August 14, 2010
so sorry for your loss. take comfort in the words of Revelation 21:3,4 where it promises sickness and death will be a thing of the past.
c w
August 14, 2010
I never will forget the very first time I heard a Little Feat song...a friend of mine used to manage the local Radio Shack. I stopped in to see him. He was cranking out Spanish Moon on a new system they had gotten in. I was instantly IN LOVE and have been ever since!
RIP Richie!
August 14, 2010
Good bye Tennessee Man. I will always be your Dixie Chicken. Rest in Peace.
Glenn H
August 14, 2010
Richie was truly gifted. He will be deeply missed my condolences to his family and also to Little Feat
MIKE MCKENNA
August 14, 2010
HE WAS A SUPER TALENTED DRUMMER,WITH AMAZING FEEL,,HE WILL BE MISSED,,MIKE MCKENNA,,TORONTO,CANADA.
Jo-Ann Sutherland
August 14, 2010
God Bless your family I love LITTLE FEAT !!! When I am up late at night and cant sleep I put it on . I will put it on now to remember Richie !!! R.I.P
Douglas Kesler
August 14, 2010
He is missed by everyone and the music world. Little Feat is awesome!!! All my Love and God Bless his Family
Vickie Ingram
August 14, 2010
The locomotive has now entered the eternal train station. What a drummer.
What an innovator. How lucky we all have been to hear and feel the rhythm of Richie.
Mike M.
August 14, 2010
RIP ! You will be missed. One awesome concert in Heaven
John Cissel
August 14, 2010
Richie and Little Feat owned this town (DC) for over 40 years. I will miss you my friend.
T Notar
August 14, 2010
RIP Richey have been digging you rock solid beat for many tears hope to hear you again some day.
August 14, 2010
You were a true inspiration and asset to all the music I grew up listening to.
you will be very missed. From me and my fellow rockers "God Bless You " See ya on the flip side.
August 14, 2010
rest in peace richie,i know that you and lowell are having one heck of a jam session with duane and berry. gaines rushton stone mountain'ga
Barbara Kemper Powell
August 14, 2010
I'm a New York City veteran of the music business, I was a rock singer and worked in the night club business. I spent an earlier time in my life listening to and "following" the careers of Richie Hayward and other musicians I admired. It is because I was inspired by someone as great as Richie Hayward that I could get into the music business the way I did. It saddens me so much that the world has lost the "live" talent and goodness of someone like Richie Hayward, but his spirit, music, and his creativity will always live on, and he will always make a difference with his legacy! Thanks Richie for inspiring all of us artists for reaching for the stars. Your family and friends are blessed for having shared your life, and we out here are blessed for having experienced your talent. Go with the angels!
taperroy
August 14, 2010
i enjoyed richies playing several times at concerts...... he is now reunited with some of the other musical greats that passed before their time.... imagine the band in heaven
Craig Martin
August 13, 2010
My condolences to Richie's family, Little Feat & their families. Richie was one of my favorite drummers and I thank him for all the great music...peace
Craig Martin Bethpage, New York
H Jordan
August 13, 2010
Some of my fondest memories are surrounded by his music. My condolences to his family and friends. Peace.
David Fige
August 13, 2010
RIP, God Bless. from our Family.
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