Dragon rocker Alan Mansfield dies aged 72 after three-year cancer battle
Alan Mansfield, keyboardist and producer with beloved Australia-New Zealand rock band Dragon, has died “comfortably and peacefully”, aged 72.
Mansfield died in Sydney on Wednesday, succumbing to complications from his cancer treatment.
“Yesterday morning I lost the love of my life, Alan,” Sharon O’Neill, his partner of 40 years, said in a tribute on Facebook.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Alan battled for three years and although he passed away cancer-free, the ravages of his radiation treatment took a toll on his poor body.
“He was brave and fearless and his doctors and nurses were amazed at how long he waged the war and they loved him dearly.”
Mansfield was a prolific musician and producer who spent two decades as a member of Dragon and 27 years in the Robert Palmer Band.
He and O’Neill co-wrote songs for both groups, on top of tracks for O’Neill’s albums Danced Into the Fire and Edge of Winter.
He made Australia home after falling in love with the country while visiting with Bette Midler’s band.
Three years later he produced Dragon’s smash hit single, Rain, and later joined them on stage.
He met O’Neill while she was an opener for the band on its Body and the Beat tour in 1984.
Mansfield was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as a member of Dragon in 2008 and received a NZ Music Hall of Fame Legacy award with the band three years later.
“Alan Mansfield’s contributions to the Australian music industry were significant. He was greatly respected as a top Australian musician and will be sorely missed by those who knew him,” loved ones said in a statement.
Originally published on 7NEWS
