Rock’n’roll world reels after ‘Foreigner’ co-founder Ian McDonald, dies, age 75

The co-founder of progressive rock bands King Crimson, and Foreigner, Ian McDonald, has died age 75.

McDonald died in his home in New York City on February 9, his son Maxwell McDonald, confirmed in a statement.

“He was incredibly brave and never lost his kindness or his sense of humour, even when the going was rough,” McDonald’s son, Max, said.

“My father was a brilliant, intuitive musician, a gentle soul, and a wonderful dad. He will live on forever through his beautiful music and the love of his fans.”

Gary Kemp, guitarist and songwriter of Spandau Ballet, wrote a tribute to McDonald, saying:

The death of King Crimson co-founder, Ian McDonald, has been announced. His contribution to the original band was invaluable and profound. Our condolences to Ian’s family. https://t.co/VUDoF1mB1C pic.twitter.com/pZR4V2g5pR

— KING CRIMSON (@DGMHQ) February 11, 2022

“When I had the idea of forming Foreigner, Ian McDonald was among the first I turned to. He was and always will be a giant on the English progressive rock scene. He was a musician of great substance and versatility. pic.twitter.com/dPZMijvHRX

— Foreigner (@ForeignerMusic) February 11, 2022

Other notable musicians, including Rick Wakeman of Yes, and the tribute account for Keith Emerson, songwriter of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, published messages about Ian McDonald’s passing:

so sad to read of the passing of Ian McDonald ….Lovely man a great player ……he will be genuinely missed by so many .

— Rick Wakeman CBE (@GrumpyOldRick) February 12, 2022

RIP Ian McDonald, the multi-instrumentalist who was the founding member of King Crimson and Foreigner. We were fortunate to have Ian join Keith and Greg on stage on the last two days of ”Emerson and Lake – Manticore Hall Tour” in May 2010. All three on that stage are now gone. pic.twitter.com/hamPGSErte

— Keith Emerson Memorial (@keith_n_emerson) February 11, 2022