Home › Forums › Discuss Anything But Politics › RIP Dave Mason
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GnLguy.
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April 21, 2026 at 11:19 pm #413239
Sad to report that we’ve lost another great player & musician – Dave Mason. Co-founder to Traffic and wrote the timeless classic Feelin’ Alright? that has been covered by countless others
Dave’s band was rehearsing All Along the Watchtower with Jimi walked in; being a huge Bob Dylan fan, Jimi was captivated with the song and the rest is history – except that many don’t know that Dave Mason played rhythm guitar on the originalI saw Dave play live while I was living in Dayton, he was a great player for sure. At one point, it was rumored that EC wanted Dave to join Derek & The Dominos
I posted 2 versions each of Watchtower & Dear Mr Fantasy – Dave’s live version of All Along The Watchtower was really good.
The version of Dear Mr Fantasy is great updated version that was just recently released
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April 21, 2026 at 11:30 pm #413240
I’m a huge fan of Dave Mason – his playing was exceptional and he was one of the great singers that came out of the British Blues Invasion
He just released the album Shades of Blues – Joe Bonamassa is a guest on a few tracks
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April 22, 2026 at 6:02 am #413247
Great live performances, Keith. That’s a tough one, I’m a big Traffic fan. I’m a little sad I didn’t follow his solo career more.
I’m curious how much influence Mason had on Hendrix’s version of All Along the Watchtower.
John -
April 22, 2026 at 7:51 am #413250
I liked that strat disguised as a tele in the third video. I’m not sure but it sounded like he used modeling sounds as well. Very impressive voice for his age. That always impresses me when a person can preserve their voice so well continue with perfect groove and rhythm over the years.
The dear Mr. Fantasy was really good stuff in the fourth video live. And what was that guitar they were playing?
Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.
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April 22, 2026 at 6:16 pm #413257
Michael
That guitar is one that Dave designed and was built by a company called RKS. It was a short lived venture and they turn up from time to time on Reverb & EBay
Here’s some Reverb listings
https://reverb.com/b/rks/electric-guitars–1083
https://reverb.com/item/87612159-rks-usa-made-rare-prototype-dave-mason-design-electric-guitar
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April 22, 2026 at 3:59 pm #413254
I saw Dave Mason play at a Sonoma winery a few years ago along with The Doobie Brothers, The Turtles, and a couple other bands from back in the day. He was awesome! RIP.
Joe
The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge -
April 22, 2026 at 4:19 pm #413256
Yeah, the world lost another great one. We saw Dave in 2016 with The Doobie Bros and Journey. You took notice when he started playing! Thanks for all the music and RIP.
Mike
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April 22, 2026 at 7:02 pm #413258
It had to happen. I wonder who will be next. One of the Stones perhaps?
Sunjamr Steve
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April 23, 2026 at 10:57 am #413267
That’s a little macabre there Steve….Just saying….
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April 23, 2026 at 1:12 pm #413269
I happened to hear an interview with Keith Richardson and he mentioned that he has had to drastically adapt his playing to accommodate his serious affliction with arthritis in his fingers. I think we’re all surprised he has lasted so long. God bless him.
Joe
The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge-
April 23, 2026 at 1:31 pm #413270
Yeah Keef is one that I don’t know how he has survived. He even snorted some of his Dad’s ashes
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April 23, 2026 at 10:15 am #413266
A little known fact about Dave Mason was his philanthropy efforts. In addition to the info below, at one point he donated to help renovate fishing boats for veterans working in the fishing industry.
His father served in the British military during WWII and that may have been his motivation for supporting veteransDave Mason was deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting music education, veterans, holistic recovery, and suicide prevention initiatives.
Music Education
Mason was an official supporter and honorary board member of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit providing free musical instruments and lessons to public school children across the U.S., reflecting his commitment to fostering music education for youth The Hollywood Reporter+2. He also supported Michael Bolton Charities, performing at charity concerts and events to raise funds for various causes Look to the Stars.Veteran Support
Together with his longtime friend Ted Knapp, Mason co-founded Rock Our Vets, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charity. The organization focuses on providing food and clothing to homeless veterans, supplying laptops for veterans pursuing education, and supporting suicide prevention programs The Hollywood Reporter+1. The charity also extends assistance to families of law enforcement and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty Wikipedia.Holistic Recovery
Mason was a founding board member of Yoga Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching yoga and holistic practices to individuals recovering from substance abuse, emphasizing mental and physical wellness as part of rehabilitation The Hollywood Reporter.Legacy of Philanthropy
Through these initiatives, Mason leveraged his fame and musical influence to support education, health, and well-being, leaving a lasting impact on children, veterans, and individuals in recovery The Hollywood Reporter+2. His charitable work complemented his artistic career, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to giving back to the community.
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