Rick Huxley, Dave Clark Five bassist, dies at 72

Rick Huxley, co-founder and bassist for the 1960s pop-rock group The Dave Clark Five, has died. He was 72.

Drummer Dave Clark told BBC News that Huxley died unexpectedly at his home in the English countryside on Monday.

Huxley had suffered from emphysema, but Clark told BBC News that Huxley had been doing well lately, with doctors giving him a "clean bill of health." Clark said Huxley's death came as a surprise.

"We'd talk once a week. I spoke to Rick on Friday, he was in great spirits," Clark said. "Rick was a dear friend and an immensely talented musician with an amazing sense of humor, he always made me smile."

Huxley's death leaves only two original members of the English group: Clark and guitarist Lenny Davidson. Singer/keyboardist Mike Smith died in 2008, two years after the death of saxophonist Denis Payton.

The band, founded in 1958, had hits with "Glad All Over," "Bits and Pieces," "Can't You See That She's Mine," and "Catch Us If You Can."

The Dave Clark Five was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

After the group broke up in 1970, Huxley launched a career real estate and the music industry.

Huxley is survived by two sons and a daughter.