Australian music world in mourning as iconic rock guitarist dies after six-year cancer battle

Iconic Australian guitarist Gavin Webb has sadly died after a six-year battle with cancer.

The bassist, who was best known as a founding member of rock band Masters Apprentices, passed away at the age of 77 on Tuesday afternoon.

His bandmates Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton and Rick Morrison took to Facebook to confirm the sad news, with tributes flooding in from the music community.

They wrote: ‘Gavin entered our lives 60 years ago. He joined our band as a bassist and from that moment became a member of our family; our brother. 

‘We will greatly miss our Gavin and treasure the life long bond we will share forever – from Mustangs to Masters. Our love eternally “Spider”.’

The tribute went on to praise Gavin’s incredible 60-year music legacy and shared condolences with his partner Sharon, son Ben and the rest of his family.

It continued: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved bassist and founding member of ARIA Hall of Fame inducted band The Masters Apprentices, Gavin Webb. 

‘After being in remission for a few years, Gavin passed away from a six-year battle with cancer in the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Tuesday afternoon 16th April 2024.

‘Gavin is survived by his son Ben and partner Sharon, Gavin’s grandchildren Lucy, Noah and Matthew, nephews Darren and Jarrad, and Jeanette Webb (wife of Gavin’s late brother Darrel d. 2021).

‘Even though Gavin was softly spoken, what few words he did say, he would always make count. 

‘Gavin’s band dossier from 1966 says his personal ambition is to ‘be a good musician’, a humble dream he would go on to transcend.

‘Gavin leaves behind an incredible musical legacy which will live forever in Australia’s music history.

‘With love, thoughts and prayers from fellow Masters and team – Craig Holden, Bill Harrod, Dan Matejcic, Jasmin Watkins & Victor Marshall.’

Tributes quickly flooded in from devastated friends and fans as they paid tribute to the Australian rock pioneer.

They wrote: ‘My Mum bought me up on the Masters, stories from the beat basement and beyond. She spoke so highly of Gavin, im pretty sure there are some photos of him among her collection. Very sad, thoughts are with his friends and family x’;

‘Sending love and strength to all who knew and loved Gavin, may he rest in peace’; ‘RIP Gavin….thank you for the music’;

‘RIP Gavin thanks for the memories’; My sincere condolences to the Masters, family and friends. May you RIP Gavin’;

‘So sad RIP Gavin. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends’; ‘Thanks for the memories Spider, you spoke through your musician ship. Play on.’

Gavin, known by his nickname Spider, was a founding member of The Masters Apprentices when it was created in Adelaide back in 1965.

He left the band in April 1968 due to stomach ulcers and was replaced by Glenn Wheatley until the group’s split in 1972.

Gavin had rejoined the group for a number of reunion shows in recent years, and the band has been touring since reuniting for the 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival.