Longtime saxophonist and collaborator to classic rock legends The Rolling Stones, Bobby Keys, died Tuesday at the age of 70. Now, the iconic rock 'n' rollers are paying tribute to their late bandmate and friend.
Per SPIN, the Stones are devastated by the loss of their dear friend and most legendary player. In a statement posted to their Facebook, the band said: "Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."
Also, the British rockers supplemented the post with a video of Keys' playing "Can't You Hear My Knocking" from their performance at Madison Square Garden back in 2003. They also included footage from their 2013 show in Hyde Park.
A most resounding musician and a lifelong partner to the band that changed the face of music, Bobby Keys will be sorely missed from the lineup. For the band, the sound may just never be the same again.
This wouldn't be the first death to rock the Stones in their career as a band, though.
If you know their history, the late Brian Jones, who named and created the band, was the first to depart. The aesthetic and sound of the band, thus, was forever changed then too.
For now, we reflect on Keys and his major contributions to the band that will tour until the end of time. Keith Richards noted on a handwritten piece of paper the he had lost "the greatest pal in the world."
He continued, " I can't express the sense of sadness I feel, although Bobby would tell me to cheer up."
Until then, Mr. Keys, we remember you below.
