At the age of 70, Bobby Keys, the saxophonist of famed rock and roll band, The Rolling Stones, passed away on Tuesday, December 2. Nashville Scene reported that Keys had been battling cancer and liver failure, and he passed away at his home in Franklin, Tennessee.
A report from NBC News relays the statement from The Rolling Stones about the disease of their longtime band mate, "The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys. Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."
Among the band members it was Keith Richards who grew close with Keys as both shared the same birth date of December 18, 1943, and according to their autobiographies, both shared a lot of experiences together including nights out and even drug use.
In a statement from Reuters, Richards expressed his devastation over the death of his close friend and band mate, "I can't express the sense of sadness I feel, though Bobby would tell me to cheer up" - the Rolling Stones guitarist sent out his sentiments about Keys' death on Twitter.
The talented musician and world-renowned saxophone player worked with The Rolling Stones on songs such as"Brown Sugar" and "Live with Me", among many others and was known to play with the band for more than 45 years.
Back in 2012, Rolling Stone got the chance to interview Keys about making music, "If you believe in the magic of rock & roll, which I devoutly do, it isn't in the individual, I've played in bands with A-team players around, but unless they can play together, it doesn't do any good."
A more personal statement from pal Keith Richards says, "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. My condolences to all that knew him and his love of music."
Apart from his work with The Rolling Stones, Keys' career has spanned 45 years and has worked with several acclaimed artists such as Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker, Barbara Streisand, B.B. King, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many others.
Join the Conversation