A sombre day for the Progressive Rock and folk communities: Dave Cousins, founder, singer and guitarist of the legendary Strawbs, has passed away at the age of 85 on July 13th, 2025, at Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury after a long illness.
A pivotal figure in British Progressive music, Cousins — born David Joseph Hindson in January 1940 — was the driving force behind Strawbs since their formation. Starting life as the Strawberry Hill Boys in 1964, the group evolved from bluegrass and Folk roots into one of the most distinctive voices in the Folk Rock and later Progressive Rock scenes.
As shared in the official communication:
David Joseph Cousins 1940-2025
It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Joseph Cousins at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, peacefully following a long illness, today, Sunday 13 July 2025.
We will all wish to celebrate the life of this incredible singer-songwriter, relation, colleague and/or special friend at this time.
We, therefore, ask you to enjoy listening to your favourite Cousins song as the sun goes down, in whatever part of the world you are, enjoying what he would refer to as a glass of vino collapse (wine)…
As more information becomes available, you will be informed on his and Strawbs’ Facebook pages and on Strawbsweb.
Meanwhile, we ask you to join in remembering a wonderful, talented man, whose life has touched us all.
— A Unique Artistic Legacy —
Throughout his prolific career, Cousins penned some of the band’s most beloved classics, including “Grave New World” (1972), “Hero and Heroine” (1974), and the iconic hit “Part of the Union” (1973). His deeply poetic lyrics, unmistakable voice, and blend of Folk storytelling with Symphonic Rock arrangements made the Strawbs a unique and enduring presence in British rock history.
Beyond his work with the band, Cousins was also involved in the early days of UK independent radio and released solo albums, notably “Two Weeks Last Summer” (1972), celebrated for its intimate and introspective tone.
His final years saw him continue to record and perform, with the Strawbs’ last studio album “The Magic Of It All” released in 2023, marking an extraordinary six-decade musical journey.
— An Unforgettable Voice —
Dave Cousins leaves behind an unparalleled musical legacy that influenced countless artists and resonated with generations of listeners. His storytelling, both through music and his autobiography “Exorcising Ghosts,” captured the spirit of a golden era in British Progressive Rock.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire Strawbs community.
🖤 Rest in peace, Dave. Your voice will echo forever through the grooves.
Dave didn’t write ‘Part of the Union’.
Richard Hudson and John Ford did.