Sad news for classic rock fans today. Ian McDonald, who founded progressive rock innovator King Crimson and arena rock megalith Foreigner, passed away at age 75.
McDonald passed away at his home in New York, surrounded by family. His son wrote the following tribute to his father
Via People:
“He was incredibly brave, and never lost his kindness or his sense of humor even when the going was rough,” he wrote. “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.”
The death of King Crimson co-founder, Ian McDonald, has been announced. His contribution to the original band was invaluable and profound. Our condolences to Ian’s family. https://t.co/VUDoF1mB1C pic.twitter.com/pZR4V2g5pR
— KING CRIMSON (@DGMHQ) February 11, 2022
Ian McDonald Life and Career
Before becoming a member of two of the most influential rock bands of all time, McDonald spent five years as a musician in the British Army, where he learned to play the saxophone and clarinet.
McDonald joined several progressive rock groups before forming King Crimson with brothers Michael and Peter Giles. He played woodwinds and contributed percussion and backup vocals for their seminal first album, In The Court Of The Crimson King. McDonald would get together with several alums of Crimson to form 21st Century Schizoid Band, which acted as a revival of King Crimson and toured playing their songs.
He reunited with Michael Giles to produce McDonald & Giles, considered a sleeper classic by many music journalists.
Following King Crimson’s disbandment, McDonald co-founded Foreigner with guitarist Mick Jones and vocalist Lou Gramm. With Foreigner, McDonald contributed to three Foreigner albums (Foreigner, Double Vision, and Head Games.)
In addition to his success in these classic bands, McDonald was a highly sought-after session musician and contributed to movie and theatrical soundtracks.
Fans and Fellow Musicians Pay Tribute to Ian McDonald
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
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
Terribly sad to hear of the death of Ian McDonald. Composition-wise, the uncanny masterpiece “Court” is as much his as Fripp’s, moreso even. A great multi instrumentalist and musical explorer. “McDonald and Giles” remains wonderful. A giant.
— Glenn Kenny (@Glenn__Kenny) February 11, 2022
R.I.P. Ian McDonald (King Crimson, Foreigner etc.) pic.twitter.com/pvPMKoSSA9
— Bento Araujo (@poeirazine) February 11, 2022
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
Sad to read of the passing of Ian McDonald (1946-2022), co-founder of King Crimson. He co-wrote and co-produced every song on the band’s legendary debut 1969’s ‘In The Court Of The Crimson King,’ and the soundtrack of my teenage years!https://t.co/zanQEprXlZ pic.twitter.com/l2blGNUjhk
— Robin Rimbaud – Scanner (@robinrimbaud) February 11, 2022
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