Saxophonist Bobby Keys, best known for his work with The Rolling Stones, has died aged 70.
Keys passed away in Tennessee earlier today (December 2), a few months after taking medical leave from the Stones’ rescheduled Australia and New Zealand dates in October 2014.
The saxophonist, born on the same day as Keith Richards, first performed with the Stones on 1969’s Let It Bleed, and featured on some of their best-known songs, including “Brown Sugar” (where he took a prominent solo), “Live With Me” and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking”. He played on all the band’s tours since 1982, including their headline set at 2013’s Glastonbury.
Keys also recorded with three Beatles, guesting on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Ringo Starr’s Ringo and Goodnight Vienna, and John Lennon’s US No 1 single, “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night”.
Other artists he performed or recorded with include Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, Humble Pie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dr John and BB King. Keys wasn’t just a sideman, either, releasing two records under his own name in the 1970s.