Writer of iconic hit You’re the Voice dies aged 76
Songwriter behind John Farnham’s iconic hit You’re the Voice dies aged 76 – as Farnsey is rushed to hospital after 12 hours of cancer surgery
Legendary songwriter Keith Reid has passed away at the age of 76.
The lyricist for English rock band Procol Harum also co-wrote John Farnham’s hit single You’re the Voice.
The musician’s death comes amid news that Farnham has been rushed to hospital with a respiratory infection.
Reid was one of four songwriters, along with Andy Qunta, Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson, who wrote the 1986 song, with Reid taking primary responsibility for the lyrics.
The song reached number one on the ARIA Charts and number six on the UK Singles Chart, as well as achieving a top ten spot in several European countries.
Legendary songwriter Keith Reid (pictured) has passed away at the age of 76. The lyricist for English rock band Procol Harum also co-wrote John Farnham’s hit single You’re the Voice
Procol Harum, known for their 1967 hit A Whiter Shade Of Pale, confirmed Keith’s passing in a Facebook post they shared on Wednesday.
The group revealed that Keith, who was from Hertfordshire, had undergone treatment for cancer and ‘died suddenly’ last Thursday in London.
The statement read: ‘It is with the utmost sadness that we announce the passing of lyricist Keith Reid, who died suddenly on March 23, 2023 in hospital in London. He was treated for cancer in recent years.
Keith was the co-founder and lyricist of the band Procol Harum, who most notably wrote 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 unfortunately he didn’t get that chance.
Reid was one of four songwriters, along with Andy Qunta, Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson, who wrote the 1986 song, with Reid taking primary responsibility for the lyrics. The song reached number one on the ARIA Charts and number six on the UK Singles chart. Farnham is in the photo
Keith was also involved in a host of other entertainment projects, co-writing what became known as the unofficial Australian anthem You’re the Voice sung by John Farnham.
His family would like to thank numerous benefactors for their very kind messages. A private funeral will be held and this page will be updated shortly with details for those wishing to make a donation in his memory. Keith will be sorely missed.”
Farnham, 73, was recovering from major surgery at a rehabilitation center before being re-hospitalized with a lung infection, his family confirmed in a statement on Friday.
“He is currently being treated in hospital for a respiratory infection, but he is at ease and receiving the very best care,” the statement said.
Farnham underwent 12-hour surgery to have a tumor removed at a Melbourne hospital last August, shortly after being diagnosed with oral cancer.
He only discovered he had the cancerous growth in his mouth after his wife insisted on taking him to the doctor for a check-up.
Farnham’s team announced at the time that it is ‘unlikely’ that he will ever make an appearance again.
The musician’s death comes amid news that Farnham has been rushed to hospital with a respiratory infection