The Stooges saxophonist Steve Mackay dies at 66

Sad news to report as Steve Mackay, saxophonist with the legendary band the Stooges, has passed away at the age of 66 after being hospitalized recently in critical condition with sepsis, a complication from an infection that can cause multiple organs to fail. “He was always observant of other musicians’ performances and had encouragement and comments that helped our development”.

Stooges singer Iggy Pop has paid tribute to his friend on the band’s Facebook page and hailed him as “credit” to his peers who “brightened the whole world” with his playing. Thus I know his entire life story. Iggy Pop showed up to one of their shows, and soon, he invited Mackay to jam with the Stooges.

After recording with The Stooges on their 1970 LP, bolstering such tracks as “Fun House” and “1970”, Mackay went on to tour briefly with the band.

Mackay also performed as Carnal Kitchen with his then-wife, Annie Garcia-Mackay, during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

As well as performing with the garage rockers, Mackay is also known for his work with Violent Femmes and Commander Cody, among many others. In 1999, the owner of the label Radon got in touch with Mackay and persuaded him to once again make music resulting in his first solo single, Death City.