DMBnews.net

LeRoi Moore dead at 46; saxophonist was original Dave Matthews Band member

2008-08-19T20:48:00.016-04:00

LeRoi Moore died today of complications from a June 30 ATV accident. The Dave Matthews Band saxophonist was 46 years old.

LeRoi passed away in Los Angeles, where DMB was scheduled to begin a two-night stand at the Staples Center. A statement from The Official Dave Matthews Band Website said LeRoi died at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, and he had recently gone to his L.A. home to begin extensive phsyical rehabilitation.

TMZ.com also reports that DMB will play its concert tonight as scheduled.

Fans outside DMB's hotel in Los Angeles today reported seeing Dave Matthews crying, and he and other band members and crew hugging each other while boarding their tour buses.

The ATV accident that ultimately took LeRoi's life happened outside his Virginia farm during a short break in DMB's tour. He was admitted to the University of Virginia Health System in serious condition and released early the week of July 13. AntsMarching.org reported that LeRoi had suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung in the accident, and on July 20, DMB announced that he had been readmitted to the hospital because of complications from his injuries.

LeRoi and drummer Carter Beauford were the first two Charlottesville, Va. musicians that young bartender Dave Matthews approached in early 1991 about playing some songs he wrote. With bassist Stefan Lessard and violinist Boyd Tinsley, they formed Dave Matthews Band and went on to sell more than 30 million albums in the United States alone.

Jeff Coffin, saxophonist with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, has been filling in for LeRoi since his injury, and DMB had begun recording a new album, with LeRoi, before the 2008 summer tour began. Of course, it is way too early to know what the future may hold for a new DMB album or the band in general in light of LeRoi's passing.

LeRoi Moore played a crucial role in defining the unique sound that drove Dave Matthews Band to superstardom in the 1990s. He stood still at the side of the stage, eyes often hidden behind his sunglasses, and let the sweet sounds of his saxophone do the dancing for him.

Stay tuned for updates on LeRoi Moore's death as they come in. DMBnews.net sends it thoughts and prayers to LeRoi's family, friends and the entire DMB community mourning his loss. Please feel free to leave your own best wishes or favorite memories of LeRoi in the comments section.

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