Rascals drummer Dino Danelli has died aged 78

Dino Danelli, founding drummer of rock band The Rascals, died Thursday. He was 78.

Danelli’s death was confirmed by a friend and band archivist, Joe Russo, who broke the news to Facebook.

According to Russo, Danelli had health issues that began in 2017 and cited the “primary challenges” as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, among others.

“I hope you all will continue to appreciate his talent and send him your love. Thank you for supporting his various endeavors throughout his career,” Russo said in a statement. “They all made it possible for him to live his dream of being a musician and an artist. Blessings to you all.”

Rascals guitarist Gene Cornish expressed his sadness in a statement shared on social media, writing, “He was my brother and the greatest drummer I’ve ever seen. I am devastated at this moment. Rest in peace Dino, I love you brother.”

Originally called the Young Rascals, the New Jersey band formed in 1965. After their first three albums, they changed their name to The Rascals and released Once Upon A Dream in 1968 under the new name.

They had several #1 hits including “Good Lovin'”, “Groovin'” and “People Got to Be Free”.

The band officially split upon the release of their ninth studio album The Island of Real in 1972, but reunited in 1997 after the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

On Friday morning, Cornish thanked fans for their condolences and offered an insight into the life of the rock star drummer.

“I wish I could answer all of your questions, but as most of you know, Dino was a very private person,” he wrote. “I have to say Dino has never cared about being a ‘rock star’, he’s always been about music and art. Anything else was window dressing for him.”