Rowland, who also worked with folk supergroup Fairport Convention, was 74.

As a member of Cocker's Grease Band, he performed at the Woodstock festival in 1969, and appeared on the British singer's acclaimed eponymous second album.

Cocker and the Grease Band split in 1970 and Rowland went on to perform with Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance.

He replaced Dave Mattacks in Fairport Convention in 1972 and appeared with the band on albums and onstage for the rest of his career before retiring from the music business and moving to Denmark.

Fairport Convention star Dave Pegg has posted a tribute to the drummer, in which he recalls their last phone chat, on the group's official website.

Calling Rowland a "lovely man" and "a great drummer", he adds, "I spoke to him on the phone a couple of weeks ago when I heard that he was terminally ill and I was scared to make the call. Bruce said - 'No tears Peggy. I've had a great life and have wonderful memories. This hospice is the best hotel I have ever stayed in and the staff are wonderful'."

Pegg concluded the post with the note, "We will miss you, Bruce."

Joe Cocker lost his battle with lung cancer in December (14).