Legendary Sparks bassist Ian Hampton, who played with the pop duo of brothers Rob and Russell Mael in the 1970s, died last week. He was 79.
Hampton’s daughter-in-law, Judi Hampton, shared in one Facebook post that the musician died on Wednesday, June 3, after spending months in the hospital. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Judi wrote that Hampton “had been ill for some time and had been in the hospital since February.” She said he spent the last few weeks of his life in a nursing home and then “unfortunately, on Wednesday he passed away.”
“As a family we are understandably heartbroken and are taking time to be together and support each other,” she continued, asking for privacy for the family. “Thank you for your kindness, understanding and support.”
Brothers Ron and Russell Mael, better known as Sparks, paid tribute to their former bassist. They shared one Instagram photo of himself with Hampton during the 1970s they worked together.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Hampton,” they wrote. “Ian was an amazing bass player who toured and recorded with Sparks Propaganda (1974) and Indiscreet (1975). Ian’s enthusiastic spirit will be missed as he stayed close to the world of Sparks over the years. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”
