Procol Harum lyricist Keith Reid dies aged 76

Keith Reid, the lyricist for the English rock band Procol Harum, has died at the age of 76.

The band, known for their 1967 hit A Whiter Shade Of Pale, confirmed Keith’s passing in a Facebook post they shared on Wednesday.

The group noted that Keith had been undergoing cancer treatment “for the past two years” and “died suddenly” in London last Thursday.

The statement read: “It is with the deepest sadness that we must announce the passing of lyricist Keith Reid, who died suddenly on March 23, 2023 in a London hospital. He had been undergoing cancer treatment for the past two years.

‘Keith was the co-founder and lyricist of the band Procol Harum, in particular he 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 sadly he didn’t get this opportunity.

“Keith was also involved in many other projects within entertainment, co-writing what became known as the unofficial Australian anthem You’re the Voice, sung by John Farnham.

‘His family would like to thank many well-wishers for their kind messages. A private funeral will be held and this page will be updated soon with details for those who wish to make a donation in his memory.

Keith will be sorely missed.

Procol Harum formed in Southend-On-Sea in 1967, and A Whiter Shade Of Pale became one of the few singles to sell more than 10 million copies.

Although not a member of the band, Keith was one of the founding members along with singer Gary Booker, who died in February 2022.

The band was originally together from 1967 to 1977 before reforming over a decade later in 1991.

Proco Harum has released 12 albums throughout his career, the most recent being Novum in 2017.

Co-written by Keith and Gary, A Whiter Shade Of Pale was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

It was also named the UK’s most played song in public places over the past 75 years by the BBC in 2009.