Mars Williams, Psychedelic Furs saxophonist, dead at 68
Jazz saxophonist Mars Williams, who played in the Waitresses and the Psychedelic Furs, has died following a battle with ampullary cancer. Williams, who was diagnosed last year, was 68. Psychedelic Furs, who Williams joined on the 2023 fall tour, have taken to social media to say they are “heartbroken”.
In a statement from his family, it was said he died “surrounded by family and friends, both in person and around the world, who held him close, and loved him dearly.”
On his year-long cancer battle, they said: “Until the end, Mars’ inexhaustible humor and energy, and his love for music, pushed him forward.”
When it became clear his treatment options were coming to an end, he decided to spend six weeks on the road.
“Those last performances with the Psychedelic Furs will live on with all of the other incredible contributions that Mars has made as a person, and as a musician, and that boundless energy will continue to inspire,” the statement continued.
The family shared they were working on a “celebration of life fitting for someone who was a hero to so many.”
A benefit show to raise money for the Mars Williams Medical Treatment Cancer Fund is scheduled for 25th November at Chicago’s Metro.
The Music For Mars event will feature performances from Liquid Soul, the Joe Marcinek Band, and Jesse De La Peña, with appearances from the Psychedelic Furs’ Richard Butler, Zachary Alford, and Rich Good, Guns N’ Roses’ Richard Fortus, Dave Matthews Band’s Jeff Coffin, and Ike Reilly.
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