Aug 20 2008
LeRoi Moore 1961-2008
After two major blows to the entertainment world in the form of the deaths of Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac, another great entertainer has passed. LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, died yesterday afternoon from complications caused by a recent ATV accident at his farm in Virginia. He was 46 years old and was expected to recover after some intensive rehabilitation.
LeRoi was an integral part of the band and brought all the wind sounds you heard in songs such as “Crush,” “Bartender,” and many DMB fans’ personal favorite, “Say Goodbye.” As a huge fan of the band, I feel very blessed to have seen LeRoi in concert so many times, most recently in Saratoga Springs only a week before his accident in June. I don’t think he can ever be replaced but I know Dave and the rest of the band will eventually pick a new player who will honor LeRoi’s signature sound.
I wanted to put a video of “Say Goodbye,” but couldn’t find one that did LeRoi’s playing any justice. Instead, I’ll give you this tribute someone made. The collage of photos is nice but what’s really special is LeRoi’s sax in this cover of Johnny Cash’s “Long Black Veil.” Enjoy it.
