Who Is Rick Parfitt? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rick Parfitt was born on October 12, 1948, and he is widely recognized as one of the most talented guitarists and songwriters in the British rock scene. As of 2025, he would have been 77 years old. Parfitt was best known for his work with the legendary rock band Status Quo, where his energetic performances and rock anthems left an indelible mark on generations of music fans. His influence continues to resonate in the rock music world, even after his passing on December 24, 2016.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1948 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Woking, Surrey, England |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Rick Parfitt's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Rick Parfitt stood at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His fitness level often matched the high-energy performances that characterized his career, but specific weight and measurements were not publicly disclosed. Given his lifestyle in the rock industry, it's reasonable to assume he maintained a physically active life throughout his career.
Following a heart attack, Parfitt had a quadruple heart bypass in 1997, when he was told by doctors that he could die "at any time" unless he changed his lifestyle of drugs, smoking and heavy drinking.
At the height of the band's fame, Parfitt and his long-time Status Quo partner Francis Rossi were notorious for drinking and drug use, with Parfitt claiming to have been spending up to £1,000 a week on cocaine, and up to £500 a week on vodka.
In his later life, following several health issues, Parfitt led a more sober life, stating in a 2014 interview that he had not smoked cannabis for 27 years and had not used cocaine for 10 years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rick Parfitt was known to have a vibrant personal life. He was married to Lynn Parfitt (née Kilmister), with whom he had two children. Before Lynn, he was married to Patricia Parfitt, with whom he had another child. In 2025, the focus on Rick's past relationships continues to highlight the bonds he shared with his family amidst a life characterized by touring and musical endeavors. His numerous relationships showcased the passionate nature of his personality.
His father Richard was an insurance salesman "who was a drinker and a gambler", and his mother Lillian worked in cake shops. He described his upbringing as "wonderful", and described his childhood-self as a "typical naughty boy". He first started to learn to play the guitar at the age of 11.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Rick Parfitt's estimated net worth was around $8 million. This wealth was accumulated over decades of a successful music career, including touring, album sales, and royalties from Status Quo's extensive discography. Though he has passed on, his music continues to generate income, meaning his financial influence is still felt.
Career, Business, and Investments
Rick Parfitt's career began in the 1960s when he co-founded Status Quo, earning fame with hits such as "Rockin' All Over the World" and "Caroline." His guitar work and songwriting contributed significantly to the band's successes. Beyond his primary band, he ventured into solo projects and collaborations with other artists, signifying his versatility as a musician. He was also involved in several business endeavors, including music production and co-ownership stakes in various ventures related to music and entertainment.
Parfitt began his career in the early 1960s, playing in pubs and holiday camps. He joined Status Quo in 1967 when they were looking for an additional singer. He wrote songs for the band and remained with them for 49 years. He occasionally guested with other bands, and recorded an unreleased solo album in 1985.
In 2016, Parfitt temporarily retired from touring with the band due to ill health, and died in December of that year. His only solo album, Over and Out, was released posthumously in 2018.
Social Network
Rick Parfitt remains a beloved figure in the rock community, with a dedicated fan base on various social media platforms. Although he is no longer present in the physical world, the accounts and pages celebrating his life and music continue to thrive, allowing fans to reminisce about his contributions to rock music. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and his official website provide fans with updates, memorabilia, and tributes that keep his legacy alive.
Following the news of his death, friends and associates of the band took to social media to express their condolences. Among these were Brian May of Queen, the Who, Peter Frampton and broadcaster Chris Tarrant, on whose show – Tiswas – Status Quo appeared. Former and current bandmates including drummer Jeff Rich also offered condolences.
A tribute page dedicated to Parfitt appeared on the band's official website including messages from Francis Rossi and manager Simon Porter, as well as on the website of former Quo drummer John Coghlan.
Coghlan personally paid tribute to Parfitt at a concert with his spin-off band, John Coghlan's Quo, at The Half Moon, Putney on 30 December 2016, during which he read out a poem by a fan entitled The Rhythm King. Parfitt was cremated on 19 January 2017.
Education
While specific details about Rick Parfitt's formal education are sparse, he exhibited a natural talent for music from a young age. His experiences and pursuits in the music industry served as his educational platform. The skills he developed through hands-on involvement in songwriting, performing, and collaborating with different artists shaped him into the legendary musician he became.
