Rest in Peace, King Crimson and Foreigner Co-Founder Ian McDonald: 1946-2022

Ian McDonald, a musician known for co-founding both King Crimson (in 1969) and Foreigner (in 1976) has passed away at the age of 75.

The news was made public on Thursday. Said the King Crimson Facebook page:

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.

McDonald’s son, Max, made the original announcement:

I’m deeply saddened to tell you that my father passed away yesterday from cancer. He was incredibly brave, and never lost his kindness or his sense of humor even when the going was rough.
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. Thank you all.

Per King Crimson’s official site:

Ian’s contribution to King Crimson was invaluable and profound. Writing in the sleeve notes to the Epitaph box set in 1997, Robert Fripp noted, “Ian brought musicality, an exceptional sense of the short and telling melodic line, and the ability to express that on a variety of instruments.”

McDonald was featured on King Crimson’s debut album, 1969’s In the Court of the Crimson King, before departing. He would return for 1974’s Red album as a guest musician providing alto saxophone.

After forming Foreigner, McDonald contributed heavily to the band’s breakthrough self-titled 1977 debut album, its 1978 follow up Double Vision and 1979’s Head Games, before departing. He would later be known for works with Steve Hackett, Ian Lloyd, John Wetton and more.

May Ian McDonald rest in peace.