The bassist, who lived more than half his life in Australia, achieved international success with the group during the 1960s and 70s with hits including Rockin' All Over The World and Whatever You Want.

He later performed with Australian 'supergroup' The Party Boys, and The Bombers.

Lancaster, who was born in Peckham, south London, in 1949, had lived with multiple sclerosis for many years and last toured with the band in 2014.

According to entertainment reporter Craig Bennett, Lancaster moved to Sydney after meeting the Australian woman who would become his wife, Dayle, on a 1973 tour.

At the request of the bassist's family, Bennett paid tribute to Lancaster on social media.

"[I] am heartbroken to announce the passing of Alan Lancaster, British born music royalty, guitar God and founding member of iconic band, Status Quo," he wrote.

"Alan married his beautiful wife Dayle Lancaster in 1978. They met when Alan and Status Quo, along with Slade and Lindisfarne, toured Australia in 1973.

"Alan ... is survived by Dayle, his children Alan Jr, Toni and David, plus five grandchildren."

In Bennett's facebook post, Lancaster's wife Dayle was quoted as saying: "We are all heartbroken. Alan had a wonderful wit and a fabulously dry sense of humour. He was a devoted and adoring husband, father and grandfather. Family was always his focus".

Status Quo singer Francis Rossi labelled Lancaster an "integral" part of their distinctive sound.

"I am so sorry to hear of Alan's passing," Rossi said in a statement.

"We were friends and colleagues for many years and achieved fantastic success together as the Frantic Four alongside Rick Parfitt and John Coghlan.

"Alan was an integral part of the sound and the enormous success of Status Quo during the 60s and 70s."

Rossi and Lancaster first began performing together in the 1960s under a number of different band names before settling on Status Quo.

The group went on to have four UK No.1 albums.

Status Quo manager Simon Porter said: "This is such sad news and my sincere condolences go out to Dayle and the family."

Australian Associated Press