We are sad to report on the passing of Paul Barrere of the band Little Feat.

Paul Barrere July 3 1948 – October 26 2019. Barrere was seventy one years old. In 2015 Barrere was diagnosed with liver cancer.

Barrere was guitarist and singer for the band Little Feat. Three years after the launch of the band by Lowell George Barrere joined the band in 1972. Barrere also contributed song writing to the band including the band’s classic “Time Lovews a Hero.” he has recorded with numerous other musicians including Robert Palmer, Jack Bruce and Carly Simon.

With fellow Little Feat alum Fred Tackett Barrere toured as an acoustic duo. Some readers will also recall that Barrere played some shows as a member of Phil Lesh and Friends.

Tributes are pouring in from friends, family and musicians alike:


Bonnie Raitt@TheBonnieRaitt
(1/2) Oh my God. I just heard about the passing of another dear friend, Little Feat’s Paul Barrere. A brilliant guitarist, singer and songwriter—a cornerstone of one of the greatest bands of all time. #PaulBarrere

“Though I know it’s unrealistic, I hope that someday the world will be at peace, and we will all find what heaven is all about, right here on earth.” – PB

From the video channel evenstev

Little Feat’s official announcement:

It is with great sorrow that Little Feat must announce the passing of our brother guitarist, Paul Barrere, this morning at UCLA Hospital. We ask for your kindest thoughts and best wishes to go out especially to his widow Pam and children Gabriel, Genevieve, and Gillian, and to all the fans who were his extended family.

Paul auditioned for Little Feat as a bassist when it was first being put together—in his words, “as a bassist I make an excellent guitarist”—and three years later joined the band in his proper role on guitar. Forty-seven years later, he was forced to miss the current tour, which will end tomorrow, due to side effects from his ongoing treatment for liver disease.

He promised to follow his doctor’s orders, get back in shape, and rock on the beach at the band’s annual gathering in Jamaica in January 2020. “Until then,” he wrote, “keep your sailin’ shoes close by…if I have my way, you’re going to need them!”

As the song he sang so many times put it, he was always “Willin’,” but it was not meant to be. Paul, sail on to the next place in your journey with our abiding love for a life always dedicated to the muse and the music. We are grateful for the time we have shared.

Yours in music,

Little Feat: Bill Payne, Sam Clayton, Fred Tackett, Kenny Gradney, and Gabe Ford.