Ian McDonald has died at the age of 75.
The musician – who was best known as the founder of progressive rock band King Crimson – lost a battle with cancer on Wednesday (09.11.2022), his son Max confirmed in a statement.
In a post on Facebook, Max wrote: “I’m deeply saddened to tell you that my father passed away yesterday from cancer. He was incredibly brave, and never lost his kindness or his sense of humour even when the going was rough.”
Max went on to pay tribute to his dad, calling him a “brilliant and intuitive musician”, noting that he will “live on forever” through his music.
He continued: “My father was a brilliant, intuitive musician, a gentle soul, and a wonderful dad. He will live on forever through his beautiful music and the love of his fans. Thank you all.”
During his career, Ian – who was predominantly a saxophonist but could also play keyboards, flute, vibraphone and guitar and also wrote songs – started out with the ‘Starless’ rockers in 1968 before going on to further success with multi-million selling group Foreigner in the late 1970s.
Ian’s former Foreigner bandmate Al Greenwood was quick to pay tribute to his co-star , noting that Ian was “like a brother to [him]” and will be “missed terribly”.
He said: “My bandmate and close friend Ian McDonald passed away peacefully yesterday. He was like a brother to me. A true musical genius, Ian’s musicianship was an integral part of launching both King Crimson and Foreigner into legendary status. His contribution to Foreigner’s success was immense. Ian was a dear friend, a kind and wonderful man, and I will miss him terribly.”