Little River Band co-founder and original bassist Roger McLachlan has passed away at the age of 71 after battling pancreatic cancer. McLachlan, born in 1954 in New Zealand, was known for his musical talent and significant early contributions to the band. He initially joined the group after an agent mentioned they were looking for a bass player, and he went on to play a crucial role in their success, including their Top 30 hit song, “It’s a Long Way There,” from 1975’s Little River Band. “I arrived for auditions and they start playing and singing and I am pinching myself, because I can’t believe how good these guys are,” McLachlan told Riveting Riffs magazine about his try-out. “The rest is history. It just kind of clicked straightaway.” McLachlan originally left the group following 1976’s After Hours, but he rejoined the band in the late ‘90s. McLachlan had a notable career outside of Little River Band, performing and collaborating with a variety of groups while remaining active in music until his passing. He was also part of 2009’s induction class at New Zealand’s Southland Musicians Club Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. (Ultimate Classic Rock)