Foreigner and King Crimson founder Ian McDonald dies of cancer aged 75 surrounded by his family
Foreigner and King Crimson rocker Ian McDonald has died at the age of 75, his agent has today announced.
McDonald, who was a co-founding member of the two rock groups, died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday after a battle with cancer, his representative said today.
The English musician, born in Osterley, West London, in 1946, went on to found progressive rock band King Crimson in 1969.
Ian McDonald is pictured performing live onstage with King Crimson. The band were hugely influential
After a string of hits and two studio albums, including In the Court of the Crimson King, which reached number 5 in the UK album charts, McDonald left the band.
He later went on to co-found the British-American band Foreigner in 1976. The group were a success in the US, achieving three hit albums.
In a post on Facebook, his son 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.’
King Crimson’s original line-up, pictured (left to right) in 1969: Guitarist Robert Fripp, drummer Michael Giles, singer and guitarist Greg Lake, Ian McDonald and lyricist Peter Sinfield
Ian McDonald plays the sax alongside Roy Wood (The Move), Steve Howe (Tomorrow, Yes, Asia) and Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick at a Bosnian Benefit concert at Irving Plaza in New York City on November 21, 1995
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