IAN MCDONALD, Founding Member Of FOREIGNER And KING CRIMSON, Dies At 75
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Ian McDonald, founding member of KING CRIMSON and FOREIGNER, passed away peacefully on February 9 in his home in New York City, surrounded by his family. He was 75 years old.
A master multi-instrumentalist, McDonald's musicianship was an integral part of launching celebrated progressive rock band KING CRIMSON. His keyboard and woodwind contributions led to the breakout success of the band's debut album, "In The Court Of The Crimson King", which is considered one of the most influential LPs of the genre. Blending elements of classical, jazz, and symphonic music, THE WHO's Pete Townshend called it "an uncanny masterpiece".
Joining FOREIGNER in 1976, McDonald played guitar as well as woodwinds and keyboard on the band's first three albums: "Foreigner" (1977), "Double Vision" (1978) and "Head Games" (1979). These chart-topping albums all reached platinum certification status, producing such iconic rock anthems as "Feels Like The First Time", "Cold As Ice", "Hot Blooded" and "Double Vision".
McDonald has figured prominently on four of the biggest-selling albums of the 10-year period from 1969 through 1979, encompassing two completely different rock genres (pop rock and progressive rock).
Most recently, McDonald's talents shined in his New York City-based band HONEY WEST.
McDonald further cemented his legacy with his work as a session musician, playing saxophone, keyboards, flute, vibraphone, and guitar. He appeared on numerous recordings throughout his career, including T.REX's iconic "Get It On (Bang A Gong)".
Three years ago, McDonald said that he initially had second thoughts about leaving KING CRIMSON after "In The Court Of The Crimson King", telling The Los Angeles Beat: "I used to have regrets about that, and that I should have stayed at least through the second album. But now I don’t regret it because had I stayed, things would have turned out very differently for me up until this moment… I'm very happy with the way things have played out since then."
Ian McDonald is survived by his son Maxwell McDonald.
(Source: www.blabbermouth.net)
