Former Santana singer Alex Ligertwood dies aged 79
Alex Ligertwood, the former singer of Latin rock band Santana, has passed away at the age of 79.
As reported by The Scotland Herald, the Scottish musician passed away on April 30th at his home in Santa Monica, California, following “health issues” that he battled for many years.
His wife, Shawn Brogan, also shared the news on Facebook, in a moving post which began, “It’s with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 25 years, we knew each other for 36 years,” his wife, Shawn Brogan.”
She added, “Alex passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side yesterday. Alex was loved by so many. If you knew him, you loved him.”
She also revealed that the singer had performed his final show only two weeks ago; the performer, who became the lead vocalist of Santana in 1966, and enjoyed several separate stints as vocalist between 1979 and 1994, was able to do what he loved right until the very end.
His input can be heard on 1979’s Marathon, 1981’s Zebop! and Sacred Fire: Live In South America, released in 1993.
Ligertwood also performed with Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express; from there, he became a key member of the jazz-rock group in the early to mid-1970s.
At the tail end of his career, the musician also performed with the German tribute band The Magic Of Santana, as well as Senate, Jeff Beck Group and the Average White Band.
Paying respects to the late star on social media, the tribute band wrote, “We had a great journey together with him and we learned so much about music, passion and friendship. He was one of the best singer on this planet and we will deeply miss him. Thank you Alex, for everything.”
