Saxophonist LeRoi Moore 1961-2008

Dave Matthews Band Saxophonist LeRoi Moore passed away yesterday afternoon suddenly of unknown complications. LeRoi was injured in an ATV Accident on June 30th while taking a break in between shows at his farm, his last show was June 28, 2008 at Nissan Pavilion. For those who were there, it will be one to remember. This message was posted on the Dave Matthews Website last night:

"We are deeply saddened that LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program."

Jeff Coffin, Saxophonist for Bela Fleck has been filling in since July with the band and LeRoi was expected to make a full recovery. Despite the loss, the show went on last night in Los Angeles and will go on for the remaining tour playing again tonight in Los Angeles at the Staple Center. During the show Dave Matthews Band and Fans expressed their love for LeRoi:

"We all had some bad news today," Matthews told the sell-out crowd. "Our good friend LeRoi Moore passed on and gave his ghost up today and we will miss him forever." Fans then shouted Moore's name in tribute.

I had a chance to see Jeff Coffin on sax for the band at the Mile High Music Festival in Colorado and he brings a new sound and energy to the band. Most notably playing two sax's at once and frequently running around on stage. However I already began to miss LeRoi, who often stood still with his sunglasses on due to stage fright. Although in recent tours he had begun removing his sunglasses.

I invite you to share your memories of LeRoi, if you have pictures I'll post them on here for you e-mail them to alovett@towson.edu

RIP LeRoi, September 7, 1961 - August 19, 2008.

A Fan Tribute Video