Keith Reid, a lyricist for Procol Harum, passed away at the age of 76 following cancer therapy.
In a heartfelt tweet on Wednesday, the band announced Keith’s passing and said it had happened “suddenly.”
‘It is with the deepest sorrow that we must announce the loss of the lyricist Keith Reid, who died suddenly on March 23, 2023, in a hospital in London,’ the A Whiter Shade of Pale hitmakers wrote.
‘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 donate in his memory.
Reid collaborated with the band’s keyboardist Gary Brooker, with A Whiter Shade of Pale reached the number one spot in the UK, Australia, Canada and across Europe, as well as reaching number five on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in the US.
