Dino Danelli, the drummer for The Rascals, died at age 78.

 Dino Danelli, the Rascals' original drummer, passed away on Thursday. He was 78.

A band friend and archivist named Joe Russo confirmed Danelli's passing and posted the information to Facebook.

Russo asserts that Danelli's health problems started in 2017, citing coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure as examples of the "main concerns".

"I'm hoping you'll all keep loving him and praising his talent. In his statement, Russo said, "We thank you for supporting his many endeavours throughout his career. "You all made it possible for him to realise his ambition of becoming an artist and musician. I wish you all well.

He was my brother and the best drummer I've ever seen, wrote Rascals guitarist Gene Cornish in a message posted on social media. I am currently in a terrible state. Dino, rest in peace. Brother, you are loved.

The band from New Jersey was founded in 1965 under the name Young Rascals. After publishing their first three albums, they changed their name to the Rascals, and in 1968 they released "Once Upon A Dream" under the new moniker.

The songs "Good Lovin'," "Groovin'," and "People Got to Be Free" were among their many No. 1 successes.

The band officially split after the release of their ninth studio album, “The Island of Real,” in 1972, but reunited in 1997 after the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

On Friday morning, Cornish thanked the public for their condolences and provided a glimpse into the life of the famous drummer.

As most of you know, Dino was a very private person. I wish I could answer all of your inquiries, he wrote. "I'll admit it: Dino never gave a damn about becoming a 'rock star.' For him, it was all about the music and the art. To him, everything else was mere window decoration.