Steely Dan keyboardist Jim Beard, has died aged 63.
Beard who joined the band as a touring musician in 2008, passed away due to complications from a sudden illness at a New York Hospital over the weekend.
A representative for the musician said that he died surrounded by loved ones.
Joining Steely Dan in 2008, Beard played keyboards, and sang as a back up vocalist for the band.
The previous year, Beard won a Grammy Award for his work on the record Some Skunk Funk.
“great sadness”
Jim Beard’s death was confirmed by Steely Dan, who released this statement.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague”, they said on their official website.
Jim Beard had recently formed part of the band as they supported The Eagles on their final tour.
The Eagles first confirmed that they would go on tour with Steely Dan last Summer, as part of their final set of live shows.
“The Eagles have had a miraculous 52-year odyssey, performing for people all over the globe; keeping the music alive in the face of tragic losses, upheavals and setbacks of many kinds”, the Eagles and Steely Dan said in a joint statement.
The statement added, “Credit and thanks go to our longtime management team, our dedicated road crew, and our exceptional backup musicians for providing skilled and steadfast support, throughout these many years”.
“We know how fortunate we are, and we are truly grateful. Our long run has lasted far longer than any of us ever dreamed. But, everything has its time, and the time has come for us to close the circle”.
