Rock legend Ian McDonald – founding member of progressive rock band King Crimson and arena rock vets Foreigner – has sadly died at the age of 75 due to cancer. King Crimson posted the above photo and below message on their official page.
The death of King Crimson co-founder, Ian McDonald, has been announced by his son Max. 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 humor even when the going was rough.
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.”Ian’s contribution to King Crimson was invaluable and profound. Writing in the sleeve notes to the Epitaph box set in 1997, Robert Fripp noted, “Ian brought musicality, an exceptional sense of the short and telling melodic line, and the ability to express that on a variety of instruments.”
RIP, Ian. See more tributes below.
Saddened to learn of the death of King Crimson co-founder, Ian McDonald. Without his presence in 1969, King Crimson wouldn't have had the success it did. I took this photo of Ian rehearsing in Turnham Green with the 21st Century Schizoid Band in 2002… pic.twitter.com/G67d6T317d
— Sid Smith (@thesidsmith) February 11, 2022
Ian McDonald, King Crimson and Foreigner Founding Member has passed away. In my opinion their debut record is the most important recording in progressive rock. At times dissonant chaos followed by aching beauty. @DGMHQ @ProgMagazineUK pic.twitter.com/3RR3OISskf
— Steve Stevens (@Stevestevens) February 11, 2022
I’m really sad to hear the news of Ian McDonald’s passing. He was a great friend and an incredible musician / songwriter. He will be very much missed.
— Steve Hackett (@HackettOfficial) February 11, 2022
Whenever I play this album it's like instant sunshine. It's always been so special to me and now all the more poignant after Ian McDonald's passing. Fly well, Birdman. . . pic.twitter.com/vrt3NWQpDO
— Sid Smith (@thesidsmith) February 11, 2022
RIP the great Ian McDonald, originally of King Crimson in their pomp. Not only did he play that dirty stalking sax on 21st Century Schizoid Man but that hefty baritone riff on T.Rex’s Get it On. #IanMcDonald pic.twitter.com/5sZnO7rvzT
— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) February 11, 2022
RIP to the great Ian McDonald, founding member of @DGMHQ. The night he joined us and @officialjwetton for "In the Court of the Crimson King" at @IridiumNYC was one of our greatest nights as a band.
📸 by Dennis Mahon #ianmcdonald #kingcrimson #genius #keyboards #flute pic.twitter.com/wVhgEKUdBy
— District 97 (@District97) February 11, 2022
I know you're one of the few musicians who have true poésie in your heart.
R.I.P. Ian McDonald. pic.twitter.com/rZK8zTDCxA— 須田慎吾（詩人・音楽家・画家） (@ShingoSuda) February 11, 2022
RIP Ian McDonald. Your playing is all over (arguably) the greatest British rock album, the greatest British jazz album and the greatest British single. Hats off to you, sir. pic.twitter.com/dcvHRodnfq
— Danny Kelly (@dannykellywords) February 11, 2022
I am very sad 😢🎸🎶
Another former member of the Crimson King leaves us at age 75. Ian McDonald was a key player in In The Court Of The Crimson King with his talents on various instruments and the formation of the group Foreigner.
Rest in peace wherever you are pic.twitter.com/HQ3JV9aRh8— Ori (@oriettamusic) February 11, 2022
