Former Van der Graaf Generator bassist Nic Potter has died from pneumonia at the age of 61.

The musician, composer and painter was a member of the band for two periods in the 1970s, appearing on four of their albums: The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other; H to He, Who Am The Only One; The Quiet Zone/The Pleasure Dome; and Vital.

He recorded with VdGG frontman Peter Hammill until the 1990s and is also remembered for work with The Misunderstood and Rare Bird.

As a session player he enjoyed stints with Jeff Beck, Magna Carta and Chuck Berry. He later released six solo albums.

Potter was admitted to hospital earlier this month.

Hammill has confirmed his death, saying: “I’m so sorry to have to announce that the great Nic Mozart passed away last night. Deeply, deeply missed.”

A statement on the VdGG website notes: “Nic had been ill for some time.”