Ian McLagan (Faces Keyboardist) Dies at Age 69

Ian McLagan of Faces and Small Faces fame has died at the age of 69.

According to ultimateclassicrock.com, news broke yesterday that McLagan, who was also a longtime sideman with the Rolling Stones, was admitted to an Austin hospital in critical condition and the Official Small Faces Fan Club announced that McLagan had a “massive stroke".

He began his career in the early ’60s playing with local British groups and by 1965, he was a member of the Small Faces, who scored hits with songs like ‘Itchycoo Park’ and ‘Tin Soldier.’

When Steve Marriott left the band in 1969, Rod Stewart and Ron Wood took his place, and the band renamed itself the Faces.

In 1975, after the Faces broke up, McLagan became an auxiliary member of the Rolling Stones joining them on tour and occasionally in the studio, with his most timeless contribution the electric piano notes that roll through their No. 1 1978 hit ‘Miss You.’

McLagan had played with lots of other rock royalty, too, including Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

He’s also performed with Izzy Stradlin, Paul Westerberg and was a member of Billy Bragg‘s band.

As reported at antimusic.com, he had been living in Austin, Texas for the past 20 years, and frequently played in the area with his Bump Band, and he was due to begin a US tour with Nick Lowe this week.

His manager said in a statement:

"It is with great sadness and eternal admiration that we report the passing of rock'n'roll icon Ian McLagan. He died today surrounded by family and friends due to complications from a stroke suffered the previous day.

"His persona and gift of song impacted the music across oceans and generations. Ian's artistry, generosity and warmth of spirit touched countless other musicians and music fans around the world. His loss will be felt by so many."

He did live to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Small Faces and the Faces back in 2012.

This has always been one of my favorite songs of all time:

But then there's this gem from The Small Faces, too:

And here's The Faces' cover of Paul McCartney's 'Maybe I'm Amazed':

R.I.P. Ian, and thanks for all the fine notes. :-)