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.
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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.
Deeply saddened. My heart goes out to LeRoi’s family and DMB.
I am beside myself… I Love this band so much, my entire left arm is tatooed of this band, tear. Le Roi you had so much spirit, and of all the members of the band you were funny as hell, You will be greatly missed
we’re going to see the DMB on saturday…we’re sorry for your loss and we love you guys!
rip leroi
we’re going to see the DMB on saturday…we’re sorry for your loss and we love you guys!
rip leroi
My condolences to the band and to LeRoi’s familly. Thank you so much for all you have given us LeRoi, you will trully be missed.
To say my heart is broken would be an understatement. Knowing that there will never be new music from this genius kills me. Each member of DMB is as important as the other. Without LeRoi there is no DMB. This is truly a sad, sad day. R.I.P. LeRoi.
“Celebrate we will, cuz life is short but sweet for certain.”
RIP LeRoi. Know that you touched us all with your amazing talent, your gift and love for music. All those who were ever able to witness you in your bliss and absorb your energy as it flowed from that sax, even if for only a moment, will never forget it and will remain forever changed. I know right now you are probably rockin in a concert with many other greats at the house of our Lord.
I’m filled with sadness for this loss. His music was a gift he left us to remember him. My condolences to his family and friends.
leroi was able to touch peoples soul without uttering a word. he had a gift and his horns were his vehicles to deliver his gift. i’m thankful to have received it. i hope his family and friends know how many peoples lives he has touched with his music. leroi will be missed
Godspeed to the family of Leroi Moore including the DMB. I pray that your sweet sounds fill the halls of Heaven.
Leroi you will be greatly missed. Thanks for so many memories. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, band mates and friends.
Losing such a key part of the band is a shock to the fans of DMB. We are going to the show on Monday in Sacramento and I know we will feel the emptiness on stage left profoundly. LeRoi was an integral part of the band and I know that the band’s hearts must be breaking at the loss of such a good friend and talented musician.
To the family, friends, Dave and other band mates….may God wrap His loving arms around you and keep you during this trying time. He will be missed so much.
LeRoi– I saw you play 81 times in concert and this year when I saw 82 and 83 it wasn’t the same. You will be missed. Please continue to play in Heaven
Leroi I know your in the eyes of the maker. You will always be in the hearts of all the DMB fans and forever missed. The band will never be the same without you on the right side. Eat, drink, and be merry somewhere over that rainbow. RIP man in the shades…