BOBBY KEYS R.I.P. 1943-2014

The legendary American saxophonist Bobby Keys, who for years toured and recorded with the Rolling Stones, has died of cirrhosis at his home in Franklin, Tennessee on December 2, 2014. He was 70. This report in from Big O

"The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys," the band said on Twitter. Keith Richards paid tribute to Keys on the Rolling Stones' Facebook page. "I have lost the largest pal in the world and I can't express the sense of sadness I feel although Bobby would tell me to cheer up," the post attributed to Richards reads. "My condolences to all that knew him and his love of music." News of Keys' death came about a month and a half after the band said he would miss the Stones' Australian and New Zealand tour dates because he was "under doctor's orders to take it a bit easy for the next month." Apart from the Stones, Keys also played on albums by The Who, Eric Clapton, Carly Simon, John Lennon, Joe Cocker and Jim Carroll, among others.

"Be sure to check out Keys' autobiography "Every Night's Saturday Night" which is a great read. Keys was born on the same day as Keith Richards and got his start playing with the likes of Buddy Holly and Bobby Vee, graduating to Joe Cocker's band before catching on with the Stones when the band was in their prime. He was arguably the most besotted individual on those early 70's Stones tours, and that's really saying something." He would still always turn out for that incredible solo on Brown Sugar whenever the Stones graced the stage and asked him for a blast (see below) - this from fellow blogger outlaw blues

The Rolling Stones and Bobby Keys 'Brown Sugar'

Remember him this way!

Lovely tribute here . . "Can't You Hear Hear Me Knocking"

R.I.P. Bobby Keys