Dave Cousins dead: 70s rock legend and Strawbs frontman dies aged 85 after long illness

Dave Cousins, the founder, guitarist, and singer of the English folk and progressive rock band, The Strawbs reportedly died on Tuesday after a long illness. The news of his death was announced via the Cousins' Facebook page where it was revealed he had died in a hospice following a "long illness". The heartbreaking statement read: "It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Joseph Cousins at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, peacefully following a long illness, today, Sunday 13 July 2025. We will all wish to celebrate the life of this incredible singer-songwriter, relation, colleague and/ or special friend at this time."

Fans have been encouraged to listen to their favourite songs by the rock legend, as well as what Cousins would refer to as a "glass of vino collapso" (wine). It added: "We ask you to join in remembering a wonderful, talented man, whose life has touched us all." News of his death was also shared via the Strawbs official website where they advised, "as more information becomes available, you will be informed on his and Strawbs' Facebook pages and on Strawbsweb".

Tributes have since poured in for the musician as many fans took to social media to offer their condolences.

One person penned: "A sad loss to the world of folk music, Dave Cousins RIP #strawbs."

Another wrote: "Sad news indeed. Another of my heroes bites the dust. Saw the Strawbs at the Locarno Coventry when I was 17."

"Managed to see one of his very last appearances at Cropredy. It was very moving," a third penned.

An obituary dedicated to the accomplished songwriter, band frontman and independent local radio entrepreneur read: "Born into a working-class family in West London, David had a unique, varied and distinguished career.

"He was one of the most distinctive singer-songwriters to emerge from the British scene in the 1960s before becoming a pioneer of independent local radio in the 1980s and 1990s."

Cousins was born in 1940, and founded the band originally known as the Strawberry Hill Boys in 1964.

The Strawbs moved from folk into progressive rock after first being signed to A&M records and releasing album "All Our Own Work" which was recorded in 1967.

The have since released 23 studio albums, with the latest in 2023.

Their best-known single was "Part of the Union" which reached number two in the UK Singles Charts in February 1973.