The saxophonist had been hospitalised in California in September (15) with life-threatening infection sepsis, a complication that can lead to multiple organ failure, and on Sunday (11Oct15), Iggy announced he had passed away.

In a statement posted on Facebook.com, the singer writes, "Steve was a classic '60s American guy, full of generosity and love for anyone he met. Every time he put his sax to his lips and honked, he lightened my road and brightened the whole world. He was a credit to his group and his generation. To know him was to love him."

MACkay was perhaps best known for playing on The Stooges' 1970 album Fun House. He reunited with the band for its last two albums, 2007's Ready to Die and The Weirdness in 2013, while he also worked with the Violent Femmes, Snakefinger and Commander Cody.