Ian McDonald, a multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of rock bands King Crimson and Foreigner, has died. He was 75.
According to McDonald’s son, Ian McDonald passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in New York City. The Cause of death was put as cancer.
His son Max, in a post on Facebook, 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,” he said.
Born in 1946 in Osterley, Middlesex, England, Ian McDonald co-founded King Crimson in 1968 with Robert Fripp, Michael Giles, Greg Lake, and Peter Sinfield. He went on to form Foreigner in 1976 with Mick Jones, Lou Gramm, Dennis Elliott, Al Greenwood, and Ed Gagliardi.
He was with the group until 1980, playing rhythm guitar, woodwinds, and keys, McDonald’s time with Foreigner lasted until 1980.
McDonald reunited with Foreigner’s surviving original members in 2017 and 2018. He worked with Asia among other musicians.