Less than a day after the passing of Bobby Keys—one of the most acclaimed horn players in rock music history—the band that he was most often associated with released several statements lamenting his death at the age of 70 from cirrhosis of the liver (from NME).
"The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys," read the statement. "Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."
Guitarist Keith Richards made a more personal comment on his own time.
"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," he wrote.
Keys was most noted for his solo in the Stones' controversial hit "Brown Sugar," as well as playing a notable part on another Sticky Fingers classic, "Can't You Hear Me Knocking." He was featured on a slew of the Stones' most acclaimed albums, including Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile On Main Street.
Although he was best known for his work with the Stones, Keys had worked with a number of huge names in the rock industry—including The Who, Eric Clapton and George Harrison. His connections were such that when he finally got around to releasing his own solo album, in 1972, both Harrison and Ringo Starr appeared on the album.
You can read Music Times original report on Keys' passing here.