Chris Knox recovering after stroke

Chris Knox is considered to be one of New Zealand's greatest musicians. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Ground-breaking Kiwi musician Chris Knox is in hospital after suffering a stroke this week.

Family member Roy Martyn said Knox was admitted to Auckland Hospital on Thursday morning, and his family members are with him.

He said Knox's partner, Barbara Ward (to whom he dedicated the hit Not Given Lightly), and children John and Leisha Ward Knox were grateful for the support and love they had received, and were focusing on his recovery.

Knox is widely considered to be one of New Zealand's greatest musicians, and is also a film reviewer, author and cartoonist. He helped found music label Flying Nun, which manages Kiwi acts such as The Chills and Phoenix Foundation.

He and former musical collaborator Alec Bathgate were to have reformed The Tall Dwarfs to support international act MGMT next month.

News of Knox's stroke filtered through the Kiwi music community yesterday, with many voicing messages of a speedy recovery to Knox.

"I've only just learned of this and I feel great sympathy for him and the family at the moment," said fellow music great Neil Finn. "He's a pretty feisty guy and I'd like to think he'll be around for a while longer. He's a good acquaintance of mine and I send my best wishes to him."

Barnaby Weir of The Black Seeds said Knox was a "living legend" and an inspiration to all musicians.