Rolling Stones’ Bobby Keys Dies at 70

Bobby Keys, the legendary and larger-than-life saxophonist for the Rolling Stones, has passed away at the age of 70 after reportedly battling cirrhosis. Keys played with the Stones for more than 45 years, appearing on hit tracks such as “Brown Sugar” and “Live With Me.” Keys had an early start with music, playing casually with Buddy Holly as a teenager before backing pop star Bobby Vee and touring with Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars. It was in 1964 when Keys met the Stones and began backing their tracks just a few years later for some of their most iconic albums—Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street—and continued to tour with the band throughout the rest of his life. “The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend,” the band sand in a joint statement. “Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed.” Stones guitarist Keith Richards added, “I have lost the largest pal in the world and I can’t express the sense of sadness I feel … My condolences to all that knew him and his love of music.”