Gregory Wachter, close friend of Ricky Lawson and the family, reported the following on Facebook, 20 minutes before this publication:

"I just left the hospital. Ralph, Ricky's brother, was very gracious. The situation is grim. I think only the family should share updates on his condition. Please pray for him. We do need a real miracle now!"

Pearl Drums, one of the companies that Ricky endorses, tweeted earlier today:

"Pearl Corporation sends their condolences to the friends, family, and bandmates of Ricky Lawson."

Condolences are also coming in from Ricky's colleagues. Chris Dave:

"R.I.P. Ricky Lawson... Damn"

Franklin Vanderbilt:

"The best drummer Michael Jackson & the entire music industry has EVER had! Rest in peace Ricky Lawson...."

Mark Schulman:

"My condolences go out to the family of one of my favorite drummers, #RickyLawson. RIP brother. We'll miss you."

Tony Royster Jr:

"Ricky Lawson, you will never be forgotten.. "The time keeping Piece" .. May you Rest in Peace.. #legend"

Ricky supposedly passed away after suffering a stroke from a brain hemorrhage in the middle of the concert last weekend. Ricky was hospitalized soon after, but never fully recovered.

Ricky was born as Richard David Lawson in Detroit, Michigan. Within a few years of starting to play drums at sixteen, Ricky's natural talent skyrocketed him into a major career.

Affectionately known throughout the music industry as the 'Drummer to the Stars', Ricky worked with some of the world's greatest artists including Eric Clapton, Earth Wind & Fire, Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Yellowjackets, Robben Ford, and Steely Dan, to name a few.

David Dyson, Damian Erskine, Ricky Lawson


Ricky Lawson - 1987 - Bad Tour in Brisbane