As a surprise to everyone considering his youthful enthusiasm and looks, Ian McLagan, best known as the keyboardist for legendary English rock bands Small Faces and Faces, has passed away at the age of 69.
According to a source at the hospital in Austin, Texas, the musician—who also has collaborated with The Rolling Stones and led his own band for decades—died at 2:39 p.m. CST after suffering a stroke.
A statement on McLagan’s website reads as follows:
“It is with great sadness and eternal admiration that we report the passing of rock and roll icon Ian McLagan. Ian was a member of the ‘Small Faces’ and ‘Faces’ and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. He died today, December 3, 2014, surrounded by family and friends in his adopted hometown of Austin, TX, due to complications from a stroke suffered the previous day. His manager and bandmate Ken Kushnick says, ‘He was a beloved friend to so many people and a true rock n roll spirit. His persona and gift of song impacted the music across oceans and generations.”
