Music legend Ian McLagan has died of complications related to a stroke. He was discovered in his home in Manor last night after he failed to show up for a band rehearsal. He was 69.
McLagan was rushed to University Medical Center Brackenridge and placed on life support. He passed away this afternoon at 2:39.
"He was a beloved friend to so many people and a true rock n roll spirit," McLagan's manager Ken Kushnick said in an e-mail. "His persona and gift of song impacted the music across oceans and generations."
Though the British Invasion may have led the way, the Small Faces weren’t far behind in the 1960s, with a pounding pub rock driven by McLagan’s keyboard.
McLagan’s Hammond B3 swirl would also drive the sound of Rod Stewart and Faces in the 70’s.
In later years, McLagan made his home in Central Texas, rekindling his career both as a solo artist and a sought-after sideman recording with the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, among many others.
In recent years, McLagan had undergone a series of treatments for debilitating migraines.
"I've been on about five, six medications over the period of the last 9, 10 years," he told KUT in 2010. "I was starting to feel suicidal."
"I walked on the stage of the Lucky Lounge one Thursday night and didn't know what the hell I was doing. I started one song about four, five times. I made a joke out of it, but I knew it was the medication and I decided I was going to stop it," McLagan said. "I never took it again, and I actually should have [instead] slowed it down."
"I've taken all kinds of medications. Nothing really does it, frankly. Honestly, I think pot is the only that's a real distraction for me and I wish they'd make it legal," he said.
McLagan was set to begin a tour with veteran rocker Nick Lowe in Minneapolis.
