Jamiroquai Co-Founder And Keyboardist Toby Smith Dies, Aged 46

Toby Smith, the co-founder and original keyboard player for Jamiroquai, has died.

Smith, one of the original members of the British funk band, was just 46 years old.

Jamiroquai, famous for hits including ‘Virtual Insanity’, ‘Deeper Underground’ and ‘Cosmic Girl’, were one of the biggest bands of the 90s.

Toby played with the band for 10 years, between 1992 and 2002, before leaving to ‘spend more time with his family’.

A statement released on the Jamiroquai fansite ‘The Funkin Site’ read:

It is with great sadness to hear and relay the news that original Jamiroquai keyboard player Toby Smith died on 11th April 2017.  He was an original member of the band until 2002 when he left to spend more time with his family.  He set up a recording studio at his home, started producing cider with some friends, built up a love (and garage) of classic cars and was a keen horse rider.  This is a very sad day for all Jamiroquai fans. Much love to his wife, children and the rest of his family.

Too Young To Die x

Upon hearing the sad news, Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay took to Facebook to pay tribute to his late friend.

“Yesterday, I found out the news I was hoping, and truly believed, would never happen, that my dear friend Toby, had passed away.” Jay Kay wrote.

“My heart hangs so heavy with grief and pain, that I have found it difficult to write anything about this up to now.”

“The recent success of the new album has paled into complete and utter insignificance to me on hearing this terrible news.”

Read Jay Kay’s full statement below:

Original Jamiroquai bassist Stuart Zender, posted a heartfelt note to Smith on his Instagram page.

Along with an old photograph of the two, Zender wrote “I love you so much. My big brother Toby crossed over to the other side last night.”

“All my fondest memories are of him and the band that we created.”

“The most talented musician I have ever had the honour to make music with. There will never be another like you Toby. Your light will shine on eternally.”

After leaving Jamiroquai and taking some time out to be with his family, Toby returned to the music industry as a music producer.

In recent years he worked with bands such as The Hoosiers and co-produced X Factor winner Matt Cardle’s third studio album Porcelain, as well as Matt’s duet with Spice Girl Melanie C ‘Loving You’.

We here at CelebMix send our sincere condolences to Toby’s family and fans.

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