“A cherished figure within the Zappa community, where fans embraced him not only for his talent but for his generosity”: Ike Willis, long-time guitarist and vocalist with Frank Zappa, dies aged 70

Frank Zappa performs on stage with band members (L-R) Denny Walley, Ike Willis, Arthur Barrow (back to camera) and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta at The Knebworth Festival on September 9th, 1978 .

Ike Willis, Frank Zappa’s longstanding co-guitarist and singer, has died aged 70. The news was shared by his family in a statement to Rolling Stone, who confirmed that the artist passed away in North Las Vegas on May 16.

No specific cause of death was mentioned, but in 2021, Willis publicly revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.