ED GAGLIARDI, the original bassist for FOREIGNER from 1976 to 1979, died at age 62 on Sunday after eight years of battling cancer.

The news was broken late Sunday night by Gagliardi's daughter, Nicole, on the bassists Facebook fan page:

"Now that information has circulated, I would like to prevent misinformation and be the one to let everyone know that my father, Ed Gagliardi, passed away tonight at 7:40, after 8 years of battling cancer. There are no words. We appreciate your prayers and well wishes. We are shocked and heartbroken, thank you for your loyal fandom of an amazing man. I love you Daddy."

A tribute was written early Monday morning by former FOREIGNER vocalist LOU GRAMM on his Facebook page.

GAGLIARDI was part of the half-British, half-American original lineup of FOREIGNER that also included founder Mick Jones, Gramm, Al Greenwood, Ian McDonald and Dennis Elliott. Originally named Trigger, the band was signed to Atlantic Records at the urging of A&R executive John Kalodner leading to the release of their debut album, Foreigner, in March of 1977. That album established them as a major force with top twenty hits Feels Like the First Time (1977 / #4), Cold as Ice (1977 / #6) and Long, Long Way From Home (1977 / #20).

The band went into a whirlwind year that saw them building their audience from small venues to playing in front of 200,000 at California Jam. Their second album, Double Vision, was released in June 1978 and continued their assault on Top 40 radio with Hot Blooded (1978 / #3), Double Vision (1978 / #2) and Blue Morning, Blue Day (1979 / #15).

Gagliardi parted ways with Mick Jones and Foreigner prior to the recording of their third album, Head Games, over creative differences and was replaced by Rick Wills.
 
Ed went on to form the group Spys with his former Foreigner bandmate Al Greenwood. The band recorded two albums, Spys and Behind Enemy Lines.