Just months after releasing his latest solo album, legendary Daddy Cool guitarist Ross Hannaford has died, aged 65.

A benefit concert that turned into a celebration of "Hanna" was held midway through last year after it became known publicly that he'd been diagnosed with cancer.

He continued playing despite his deteriorating health, but lost his battle today. Hanna was also the name of that last album, on which Hannaford wrote and played all the instruments. He launched the album with one final, memorable show at Oakleigh's Caravan Club in December.

Hannaford formed Daddy Cool with vocalist Ross Wilson after originally playing together in Melbourne outfit The Pink Finks in 1965. In between the pair also played in The Party Machine and Sons of the Vegetal Mother.