Mars Williams — saxophonist for the Psychedelic Furs and the Waitresses, among others — has died. He was 68.
The musician, who dwelled equally prolifically in the worlds of rock and free jazz, passed away yesterday (November 20) after being diagnosed with ampullary cancer almost a year ago, the Chicago Tribune reports. His death was confirmed to the publication by Williams's brother, Paul Williams.
Born in 1955, Williams was a star clarinetist in high school. He attended De Paul University for classical training, but soon found himself gaining interest in other genres. After being mentored by Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, the musician ventured to New York City for the late '70s downtown jazz scene.
Simultaneously, Williams was a core member of new wavers the Waitresses and performed with them until their 1983 breakup. He then joined the Psychedelic Furs before leaving them in 1989 and later rejoined the group in 2005. The saxophonist had been on tour with the band as recently as last month.
Among the other acts in the more mainstream realm Williams performed with are Billy Idol, the Killers, Ministry, Dirty Projectors and Jerry Garcia. In the jazz world, he led and founded umpteen projects like the improv troupe NRG Ensemble, Extraordinary Popular Delusions, Albert Ayler tribute act Witches & Devils and the Chicago Reed Quartet.
The saxophonist also explored rap, jazz and funk with Grammy-winning '90s group Liquid Soul, collaborated with MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer in XMARSX, and combined hip-hop, swing, aerial acrobats (and possibly also a performing pit bull?) in Sonic Soul Sirkus.
Even in his 60s, Williams remained a constant presence in the Chicago scene. A benefit show paying tribute to his legacy, headlined by colleagues from across his wide-ranging career, will take place on November 25 at the Metro.
The musician, who dwelled equally prolifically in the worlds of rock and free jazz, passed away yesterday (November 20) after being diagnosed with ampullary cancer almost a year ago, the Chicago Tribune reports. His death was confirmed to the publication by Williams's brother, Paul Williams.
Born in 1955, Williams was a star clarinetist in high school. He attended De Paul University for classical training, but soon found himself gaining interest in other genres. After being mentored by Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, the musician ventured to New York City for the late '70s downtown jazz scene.
Simultaneously, Williams was a core member of new wavers the Waitresses and performed with them until their 1983 breakup. He then joined the Psychedelic Furs before leaving them in 1989 and later rejoined the group in 2005. The saxophonist had been on tour with the band as recently as last month.
Among the other acts in the more mainstream realm Williams performed with are Billy Idol, the Killers, Ministry, Dirty Projectors and Jerry Garcia. In the jazz world, he led and founded umpteen projects like the improv troupe NRG Ensemble, Extraordinary Popular Delusions, Albert Ayler tribute act Witches & Devils and the Chicago Reed Quartet.
The saxophonist also explored rap, jazz and funk with Grammy-winning '90s group Liquid Soul, collaborated with MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer in XMARSX, and combined hip-hop, swing, aerial acrobats (and possibly also a performing pit bull?) in Sonic Soul Sirkus.
Even in his 60s, Williams remained a constant presence in the Chicago scene. A benefit show paying tribute to his legacy, headlined by colleagues from across his wide-ranging career, will take place on November 25 at the Metro.
