Bobby Keys, beloved saxophone player who toured with the Rolling Stones for more than 45 years has passed away at 70. Less than a day later, news also arrived of the passing of Ian McLagan, the veteran keyboardist who worked with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Bonnie Raitt among others. McLagan, 69, was claimed by a stroke suffered Tuesday in his Austin home.
“If you believe in the magic of rock & roll, which I devoutly do, it isn’t in the individual,” Keys told Rolling Stone in 2012. “I’ve played in bands with A-team players around, but unless they can play together, it doesn’t do any good.”
“The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys,” the band said in a statement. “Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed.”
“I have lost the largest pal in the world and I can’t express the sense of sadness I feel, although Bobby would tell me to cheer up,” Stones guitarist Keith Richards said in a statement. “My condolences to all that knew him and his love of music.”
McLagan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 for his work with Small Faces and The Faces, the two bands in which he made his most prominent mark. He also performed with the Stones on several tours and recordings, most notably on the Stones’ chart-topping 1978 hit, “Miss You.”
“He was a beloved friend to so many people and a true rock n roll spirit,” Kushnick said of Mclagan. “His persona and gift of song impacted the music across oceans and generations. Ian’s artistry, generosity and warmth of spirit touched countless other musicians and music fans around the world. His loss will be felt by so many.”
