'Immense sadness': The Masters Apprentices bassist Gavin Webb dies aged 77 following cancer battle

Aussie rocker and founding member of The Masters Apprentices band Gavin Webb has died at the age of 77, it has been announced.

Bassist Webb died on April 16 following a years-long battle with cancer.

The Masters Apprentices shared the news in a moving Facebook post.

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"It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved bassist and founding member of ARIA Hall of Fame inducted band The Masters Apprentices, Gavin Webb," the statement read.

"After being in remission for a few years, Gavin passed away from a 6 year battle with cancer in the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Tuesday afternoon 16th April 2024."

"Gavin is survived by his son Ben and partner Sharon, Gavin's grandchildren Lucy, Noah and Matthew, nephews Darren and Jarrad, his brother Darrel (d. 2021) and Jeanette Webb."

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"Even though Gavin was softly spoken, what few words he did say, he would always make count. Gavin's band dossier from 1966 says his personal ambition is to "be a good musician", a humble dream he would go on to transcend."

The band went on to praise Webb for his musical legacy.

"Gavin leaves behind an incredible musical legacy which will live forever in Australia's music history."

"'Gavin entered our lives 60 years ago. He joined our band as a bassist and from that moment became a member of our family; our brother. We will greatly miss our Gavin and treasure the life long bond we will share forever - from Mustangs to Masters. Our love eternally 'Spider'. "Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton and Rick Morrison – The Masters Apprentices."

A press released was also issued following his death.

He first joined the band in 1960's and left the band in 1968 due to stomach ulcers.

He rejoined the band, previously called the Mustangs, for the 20th Anniversary reunion.

Hailing from Adelaide, the band is known for hits including Because I Love You, Turn Up Your Radio and Wars or Hands of Time. They were inducted to the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998.

Webb, alongside Mick Bower, Brian Vaughton and Rick Morrison, founded the band.

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