Ian McLagan, Keyboard Player with Small Faces, Dies Aged 69
By Michael West in Movies / TV / Theatre on 04 December 2014
Ian McLagan was known for his skills on the organ and keyboard.
Ian McLagan, the keyboard board with the Small Faces and later with the Faces, has died aged 69 following complications from a stroke suffered earlier this week. Known as 'Mac', McLagan played on numerous classic Small Faces tracks including 'Lazy Sunday' and 'Itchycoo'.
Ian McLagan died unexpectedly this week
McLagan went on to play with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood in The Faces and recorded and performed with the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. At the time of his death, the Hounslow-born musician was preparing for a North American tour with Nick Lowe.
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"I am completely devastated by this shocking news and I know this goes for Ronnie and Rod as well," said Small Faces and Faces member Kenney Jones.
I'm absolutely devastated. Ian McLagan embodied the true spirit of the Faces," said Stewart.
"Last night I was at a charity do, Mick Hucknall was singing I'd Rather Go Blind, and Ron Wood texted to say Ian had passed. It was as if his spirit was in the room. I'll miss you mate."
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Known for his dexterity on the Hammond Organ and Wurtlitzer electric piano, McLagan reformed with the Faces at the end of the 2000s, with Hucknall filling in for Stewart. The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted that "British rock has lost one of its greatest players."
Music journalist Dave Haslam, with tongue firmly in cheek, remembered McLagan by recalling, "Ian McLagan married Sandy in 1968; the honeymoon was abandoned when he was caught with hash at the airport & was arrested."
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