Ian McDonald Dead At 75: King Crimson And Foreigner Pioneer's Cause Of Death Revealed

Ian McDonald, the founding member of King Crimson, quietly passed away at age 75, his family confirms.

Best known as the founder of rock band King Crimson, McDonald succumbs to death last Wednesday after a grueling battle with cancer, his son Max confirms in a statement released.

The statement reads: "I'm deeply saddened to tell you that my father passed away yesterday from cancer. He was incredibly brave, and never lost his kindness or his sense of humour even when the going was rough."

McDonald's son, Max, paid honor to his father, describing him as a "brilliant and intuitive" instrumentalist, affirming that his legacy will live "forever" through the music he created.

"My father was a brilliant, intuitive musician, a gentle soul, and a wonderful dad. He will live on forever through his beautiful music and the love of his fans. Thank you all.", his son ended.

The King Crimson legend was with his family when he passed away at 75 years old battling cancer.

Remembering Ian

McDonald was born in Osterley, England, and became interested in music as a child, learning to play various instruments - including guitar, keyboards, and reeds - and performing in rock bands and orchestras throughout his childhood.

The big bands, Stan Kenton, and other such musicians were among McDonald's favorite musical influences.

For his first collaboration, he collaborated with the King Crimson precursors Giles, Giles, and Fripp, creating music for them called "Under the Sky" and performing with them in a couple of live shows.

McDonald was recruited by guitarist Robert Fripp, along with drummer Michael Giles, for the founding lineup of King Crimson and the recording of the seminal "In the Court of the Crimson King" album in 1969.

As a co-writer on all five of the album's tracks, McDonald has written the track "21st Century Schizoid Man" that includes a portion of an instrumental piece "Three Score and Four," before the band's formation.

Al Greenwood, Ian's former Foreigner bandmate, paid tribute to his co-star, saying that Ian was "like a brother" to him and that he will be "missed terribly".

"A true musical genius, Ian's musicianship was an integral part of launching both King Crimson and Foreigner into legendary status," Greenwood continued.