Legendary Sparks bassist Ian Hampton, who played with the pop duo consisting of brothers Rob and Russell Mael in the 1970s, died last week. He was 79.
Hampton’s daughter-in-law, Judi Hampton, shared a Facebook reports that the musician died on Wednesday, June 3, after spending months in the hospital. No cause of death has been revealed.
Judi wrote that Hampton “had been unwell for some time and had been in hospital since February.” She said he spent the last few weeks of his life in a nursing home and then “sadly passed away on Wednesday.”
“As a family, we are understandably heartbroken and taking time to be together and support each other,” she continued, asking for privacy for the family. “Thank you for your kindness, understanding and support.”
Brothers Ron and Russell Mael, better known as Sparks, paid tribute to their former bassist. They shared one Instagram photo of himself with Hampton during their collaboration period in the 1970s.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Hampton,” they wrote. “Ian was a great bass player who toured and recorded with Sparks Propaganda (1974) and Indiscreet (1975). Ian’s enthusiastic spirit will be missed as he remained close to the world of Sparks over the years. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”
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