Keith Reid dead: A Whiter Shade Of Pale lyricist dies aged 76 after cancer battle as band Procol Harum pays tribute
MEMBERS of rock band Procol Harum have paid tribute after their lyricist Keith Reid died aged 76 after a cancer battle.
The band confirmed his death in a Facebook post yesterday.
It read: “It is with the deepest sadness that we must announce the passing of the lyricist Keith Reid, who died suddenly on 23 March 2023, in hospital in London.
“He had been receiving cancer treatment for the past couple of years.
“Keith was the co-founder and lyricist for the band Procol Harum, notably penning their biggest hit A Whiter Shade of Pale, which contains some of the most enigmatic lyrics of all time.
“He always said that, at the end of his life, he would explain what it all meant: but sadly he didn’t get this opportunity.
“Keith was also involved in numerous other projects within entertainment, and was a co-writer on what became known as the unofficial Australian anthem You’re the Voice, sung by John Farnham.
“His family would like to thank numerous well-wishers for their very kind messages.
“A private funeral will be held, and this page will be updated soon with details for those who would like to make a donation in his memory. Keith will be greatly missed.”
A Whiter Shade of Pale is one of the few singles ever to have sold over 10million copies.
Keith was one of the founding members of the band alongside singer Gary Booker, who died in February last year.