Hayward’s early career included stints in The Family Of Man and The Factory, which is where he met then-future Little Feat frontman Lowell George. Together with Bill Payne and Roy Estrada, the musicians formed Little Feat in 1969. George passed away in 1979.

Hayward announced one year ago this month that he had been diagnosed with liver cancer.

The band posted the following message on its Facebook page late Thursday afternoon:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that our dear friend, drummer extraordinare and founding member of Little Feat, Richie Hayward, lost his courageous battle with liver cancer today. He was loved by so so many and will be missed dearly. Not only the music world, but the entire world, lost a truly great one today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Shauna, all his family and his brothers in the band. RIP Richie.”

In addition to his Little Feat legacy, Hayward performed with many artists and bands over the years, including Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon and Joan Armatrading.

Little Feat is currently touring in the U.K. For more information, click here for Little Feat’s Facebook page and here for the band’s website.