Guitarist David Lindley Cause of Death: Did Multi-Instrumentalist, 78, Die of Health Issue?

Multi-instrumentalist David Lindley has died at the age of 78, multiple publications confirmed.

Rolling Stone and Los Angeles Times released reports revealing that Lindley died. They did not cite an official statement from Lindley's representative or family, but they disclosed that no cause of death was given as of press time.

It also remains unknown whether he suffered any health issues before his passing.

Lindley's collaborators, other music artists, and fans paid tribute to the musician on Twitter. They shared photos and videos of the guitarist's alongside their heartfelt messages to the him.

Jimmy Barnes wrote, "I had the honor of working with David Lindley when he played slide guitar on the Freight Train Heart Album. He was a truly a beautiful musician who brought songs to life. RIP David. The world has lost one of the greats."

Peter Frampton, Graham Nash, Josh Isbell, Paul Young, and more artists also penned tributes on Twitter and Instagram.

Before his death, his longtime collaborator Jackson Browne sat for a 2021 interview with PBS wherein he praised him and his skills, saying, "nobody plays like him."

This resonated with what Kaleidoscope's Chris Darrow told It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine in 2011, saying that Lindley was a master of playing his guitar with a violin bow.

David Lindley's Career Explored

Lindley was born in San Marino, California, but grew up in Los Angeles. At the age of three, he started playing the violin but broke the bridge, opting to try the baritone ukulele instead.

He expanded his talent in music when he tried banjo and fiddle, with the latter instrument helping him to win the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest five times.

Lindley became fond of folk music in the 1960s before establishing the band, Kaleidoscope. From 1966 to 1970, the psychedelic band released four albums until it broke up.

In 1981, he formed El Rayo-X, with Jackson Browne producing the band's first album. In between those dates, he served as a tour member of the bands by James Taylor, Crosby-Nash, and Linda Ronstadt.

Throughout his active career years, Lindley also got the chance to work with other award-winning artists, including Terry Reid, Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Warren Zevon, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, and Rod Stewart.

Among his notable solo albums include "David Lindley-Big Twang," "Very Greasy (Elektra)," and "Song of Sacajawea (Rabbit Ears)."