Sam Cutler has died aged 80 (Picture: Stephen Somerstein/Getty Images)

Sam Cutler – known as the former tour manager for Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones – has died aged 80.

His death comes almost a decade after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He died on Tuesday (July 11) at his home in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Dead & Company, the current iteration of the Grateful Dead, confirmed the sad news with a statement.

Cutler’s death comes ahead of the band’s final-ever show in San Francisco tonight.

They wrote on Twitter: ‘His spirit, passion & creativity left indelible marks on the Grateful Dead & the world of music.’

Cutler (left) worked with Grateful Dead and Rolling Stones in his lengthy career (Picture: Stephen Somerstein/Getty Images)

Cutler’s children – Bodhi and Chesley Cutler – also released a heartfelt statement.

They said: ‘Sam Cutler, our father, your friend, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 11th, at age 80.