R.I.P. Toby Smith
Jamiroquai founding member and original keyboardist Toby Smith has died. He was 46.
Smith formed the band in 1992 with lead singer Jay Kay and members Stuart Zender, Nick Van Gelder, and Wallis Buchanan and stayed with the group a decade, until he left in 2002 to spend more time with his family. Smith recorded on the band’s first five albums and co-wrote many of the group’s songs, including “Virtual Insanity,” “Space Cowboy,” and “Deeper Underground.”
According to fan site Funkin, Smith died on Tuesday. The site also states Smith set up a recording studio after leaving the band and began making cider with friends and working on classic cars. He also produced and managed UK pop band the Hoosiers and co-produced and wrote on X Factor winner Matt Cardle’s third album, Porcelain, in 2013.
Jamiroquai’s original bassist, Zender, posted a tribute to his friend on Wednesday, announcing his passing and calling him “the most talented musician I have ever had the honor to make music with.”
He continued, “There will never be another like you Toby. Your light will shine on eternally. Thank you for making mine and everyone’s life so bright.”
This article originally appeared on Billboard.