Reid's drummer and long-time collaborator Tom Bowker announced on Facebook that Blowfly had been diagnosed with the illness on January 12. Bowker later released a statement to the Detroit Metro Times which reads: "While most performers sit on their laurels in their later years, Clarence constantly wrote new material and grinded tour dates like a 20-year-old.

"He treated gigs at Halloween house parties in suburban California the same as arena gigs in Germany and massive Australian festivals. He never refused an autograph, or an opportunity to tell a dirty joke. He was a once-in-a-century talent, and it was an honour to reintroduce him to the world these past 12 years."

Reid's latest album 77 Rusty Trombones will be released on February 19 - but his label Saustex have made his last recording available to stream in his honour.