In Memoriam | Neil Young Bassist Rick Rosas 1949 – 2014

We’re sad to report that longtime Neil Young bassist Rick Rosas has died at age 65. Rosas’ death was first announced by Crazy Horse drummer Ralph Molina and the cause has not been revealed as of yet.

[Photo by snikwas via Wikipedia]

“Rick The Bass Player” performed with Young as recently as this past summer, when he filled in for Billy Talbot on a European Tour after Talbot suffered a stroke. It’s no surprise Rosas was Neil’s first call after Talbot suffered the stroke, as he’s performed with Young in a variety of projects since they first teamed up in 1988 after meeting at Farm Aid in 1987. Rick not only performed with Young live on many tours, he also appears on six of Neil’s LPs recorded from 1988 to 2009.

Rick Rosas was the bassist for CSNY’s last tour in 2006 as well as the handful of Buffalo Springfield reunion dates a few years back. Rosas also held down the bass seat in Pegi Young & The Survivors. In addition, Rick performed with such legendary musicians as Joe Walsh, Ron Wood, Jerry Lee Lewis and Etta James over the course of his career.

As of yet, there’s been no statement from Neil Young, who’s lost a number of his longtime collaborators in recent years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rick’s friends and family.