Popular keyboardist Brett Tuggle, known for being part of Fleetwood Mac, died Sunday at the age of 70. The musician died on June 19, his family confirmed. Tuggle’s son Matt confirmed the news in Rolling Stone and said his death was due to cancer-related complications.
Springfield paid tribute to the musician, who is also the founder of the David Lee Roth Band, on Monday.
Our sweet Brett Tuggle made it home tonight. God bless his beautiful spirit. ❤️ @BrettTuggle1 pic.twitter.com/JHID345cO0
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) June 20, 2022
Meanwhile, his son said that “his family loved him very much.”
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Tuggle learned of his love of the piano as a child. He eventually moved to Texas to pursue a music career. But it wasn’t until 1981 that his talent became widely known after he began sharing the stage with John Kay and Steppenwolf.
Brett Tuggle was also famous when he traveled with David Lee Roth from 1986 to 1994. He was one of the band’s founders. They became famous for writing the hit “Just Like Paradise” in 1988. Brett met Roth again at solo performances scheduled for 2020.
Brett Tuggle, DC & Guy Pratt…RIP, Brett…🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) June 20, 2022
Thanks, Jorg pic.twitter.com/hNSz1SA3wu
Tuggle played with Fleetwood Mac for two decades during their reunion, touring with them from 1997 to 2017. He first joined the band in 1992 while working on Mick Fleetwood’s side project, Zoo.
sad news…Just heard…A delightful man who worked with Coverdale Page then Restless Heart…My love & respect to his family, friends & fans…A Sad day, indeed…🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) June 20, 2022
Brett Tuggle, Fleetwood Mac and David Lee Roth Keyboardist, Dead at 70 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/mLTj2TPHu3
He was expelled from the band in 2018 and previously said he believed it was because Stevie Nicks thought he was too close to fired guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. Tuggle also joined them on their solo trips, but conflicts were planned.
Brett Tuggle—truly the ”secret weapon” of the Eat ‘Em & Smile band and tour. Loved by everyone that ever met him, and gifted with supreme talent—-Rest in Peace. We will never forget you. ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/mhzC90sD79
— Billy Sheehan (@BillyonBass) June 20, 2022
Brett Tuggle spoke about his early influences. “I grew up in Denver. Like the rest of the country, we were drawn into the surfing scene,” Brett added. And almost like everyone else, I watch the Beatles on TV and things aren’t the same.
Damn…😔💔
— Shelby❣️✨ (@smithkc21) June 20, 2022
Just heard that Brett Tuggle has passed. Awesome songwriter and keys player for DLR Band and Fleetwood Mac among others. He co-wrote the DLR track “Just Like Paradise.” Rest in Paradise, Brett. 🙏🕊🕯🎶 #DLRBand #FleetwoodMac #BrettTuggle #RIP pic.twitter.com/xJVoeJvMWU
Tuggle toured with Buckingham in 2021, but did not return at the start of the tour in April.
He is survived by his two children Matt and Michelle.
