British multi-instrumentalist and producer Ian McDonald died on February 9, 2022.
Ian McDonald was born on June 25, 1946 in Osterley, Middlesex, England. In 1969, he was a founding member of the highly influential and innovative progressive rock band King Crimson. With King Crimson, he recorded the now classic album In the Court of the Crimson King, playing flute, Mellotron, saxophone and various other musical instruments.
McDonald and drummer Michael Giles left King Crimson at the end of 1969. They formed a new group that released one album called “McDonald and Giles”.
In 1976, Ian McDonald became a founding member of Foreigner, a band that played radio friendly pop-rock with catchy hooks.
McDonald released his first solo in 1999, titled “Driver’s Eyes”.
In recent years, McDonald appeared with 21st Century Schizoid Band, a group that featured former King Crimson musicians. They released several live albums.
In 2017, Ian McDonald formed a new band called Honey West that included his son Maxwell.
(headline image: Ian McDonald from the album “McDonald and Giles” on Island Records/Cotillion Records)
Founder member of KC who recorded one of the best prog albums ever In C of CK.
You have gone down in musical history.
RIP Ian McDonald!