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

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

The bassist, who was best known as the founder of rock band Masters Apprentices, died on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 77.

His bandmates Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton and Rick Morrison confirmed the sad news on Facebook, as tributes poured in from the music community.

They wrote: ‘Gavin came into our lives sixty years ago. He joined our band as a bass player and became part of our family from then on; our brother.

“We will miss our Gavin dearly and the lifelong bond we will forever share – from Mustangs to Masters. Our love forever “Spider”.’

The tribute continued by praising Gavin’s incredible 60-year music legacy and sharing his 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 co-founder of the ARIA Hall of Fame inducted band The Masters Apprentices, Gavin Webb.

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

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

“Even though Gavin spoke softly, the few words he said, he always made it count.

The bassist was best known as the founder of rock band Masters Apprentices and tributes poured in for the beloved musician following the sad news of his passing

Gavin’s 1966 band file says his personal ambition is to “be a good musician,” a modest dream he would later transcend.

“Gavin leaves behind an incredible musical legacy that will live on forever in Australian music history.

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

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

Gavin (pictured in 2001), known by his nickname Spider, was a founding member of The Masters Apprentices when it was founded in Adelaide in 1965.

They wrote: ‘My mother bought me up for the Masters, stories from the beat cellar and beyond. She spoke so highly of Gavin that I’m pretty sure there are some photos of him in 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…thanks 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 condolences to his family and friends’; “Thanks for the memories Spider, you spoke through your musician ship. Play on.’

Gavin is pictured with his The Masters Apprentices bandmates Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton, Peter Tilbrook and Rick Morrison in 2001

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

He left the band in April 1968 due to stomach ulcers and was replaced by Glenn Wheatley until the group 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 Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2016.