The Stooges’ Steve Mackay Has Died

Photo via Steve Mackay’s Facebook

Steve Mackay, the saxophonist best known for his work with the Stooges, has died. It was recently reported that he was in critical condition from his battle with sepsis. He was 66.

Mackay was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In interviews, he said he was inspired by Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, King Curtis, Gerry Mulligan, and other jazz players. In the 1960s, he attended the University of Michigan’s art school, and during that time, he played in a band called Carnal Kitchen. Iggy Pop showed up to one of their shows, and soon, he invited Mackay to jam with the Stooges. The result was two songs: “Fun House” and “1970″.

Following his work on 1970′s Fun House, Mackay toured with the Stooges. He was invited back to perform on the band’s 2007 album The Weirdness and 2013′s Ready to Die. Mackay toured with the band in recent years. He also made solo records and worked with the Violent Femmes, Sonny Vincent, Mike Watt, R. Stevie Moore, and many others.

Iggy Pop shared a statement about Mackay’s passing:

“Steve was a classic ’60s American guy, full of generosity and love for anyone he met. Every time he put his sax to his lips and honked, he lightened my road and brightened the whole world. He was a credit to his group and his generation. To know him was to love him. – Iggy.”

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