LeRoi Moore, saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band, passed away yesterday afternoon due to complications from an ATV accident in late June. He was 46.
Moore and Matthews first teamed up in 1991 in Charlottesville, VA. After pulling together the rest of the band, they released the album Remember Two Things. Seven studio albums later, the Dave Matthews Band has become one of the most popular bands in America. Moore brought jazz and blues influences to the band’s easygoing jam-rock sound: From the deep rumble on “Bartender” from the Lilywhite Sessions, to the high-pitched bounce of the tenor notes in “Stay,” Moore brought both life and a playful sensibility to his music.
Moore was one of the less vocal members of the group, preferring to eschew the spotlight. Back in 2001, Dave Matthews spoke with EW music critic Chris Willman, and said of Moore, “He’s a tortured soul, but man, when he plays, he plays the most pretty melodies in the world, instantly. And Leroi plays melodies that are brand new that sound as if he’s been playing them forever.”
The band announced Moore’s passing at their show last night at L.A.’s Staples Center, with Matthews saying, “It’s easier to leave than to be left.” Though Moore is gone, we still have his music, and that will live on through his fans. Please post your condolences, and your memories of Moore, below.
R.I.P. LeRoi. DMB will not be the same w/o you.
You couldn’t have found a better picture EW?
My thoughts are with his friends, family and bandmates… LeRoi will be missed.
Couldn’t believe it when I heard that he had passed. Just saw DMB this weekend, they were great but not the same without Roi! He will be missed greatly!
My husband and I were at last night’s concert and saw the whole crowd grow sad with Dave’s announcement. It was heartwrenching to seem them up there playing through their grief. Love this band and offer them and LeRoi’s other family my condolences…
My husband and I saw DMB in 2002….and we’ve been fans ever since. The world lost a good one when we lost LeRoi. RIP my friend.
The world is a little bit darker now. Remember and appreciate by always loving these guys and their crafts. THanks for the best music and band in the whole wide world!!!!
My deepest condolences goes out to Leroi’s family as well as Dave, Carter, Boyd, Steffan, and Butch. My son and I have been fans since the early ’90′s and have been avid followers since. Make Leroi proud, you guys, keep jammin’ !!!!`
Like any great orchestra; the subtlest of parts is often the most memorable.
Thankfully we can relive these moments as the mantle of musical (and all) artistry passes from generation to generation.
Rock on LeRoi Moore!
A
goodbye … friend. you will be greatly missed.
I am so saddened by this news. I just saw you all sixth row in Camden and in Seattle. No one knows why these things happen, but we are all together in the end. I’m so sorry for your loss. Leroi will be missed dearly.
I grew up listening to under the table and dreaming and only recently I had the pleasure to see them in concert. Even if you are not a fan you need to see them live. Amazing artist and it is sad to see him go. Will be missed RIP LeRoi
what a sad day, roi will be missed.
I am so sorry about LeRoi’s passing. His sound is one of the most distinctive parts of the band as a whole, and I will always think of him as I listen to his beautiful work. DMB is the greatest band in the world and in my heart. LeRoi lives on forever in these ways.
LeRoi was a talented, smart man, and DMB will not be the same without him. Rest In Peace, buddy. You will be missed.