Rolling Stones saxophonist Bobby Keys dies

Bobby Keys.

Rolling Stones' saxophone player Bobby Keys, who also performed on recordings with John Lennon, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton, has died at his home in Franklin, Tennessee.

He was 70.

Michael Webb, who played keyboard with Keys, said Keys died on Tuesday after a lengthy illness.

Keys had been out on tour with the Stones earlier this year - including a visit to New Zealand after the band postponed their show - before his health prevented him from performing.

HIs passing was marked in a statement by the Rolling Stones, who Keys performed with for more than 45 years.

"The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys. Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed."

Guitarist Keith Richards shared his pain with a letter on Facebook:

In Richards' autobiography Life, he described Keys as his closest pal with whom he shared the same birth date of December 18, 1943.

They also shared the same excessive rock'n'roll lifestyle throughout the 1970s, which saw the sideman eventually left out of the touring line-up.

Richards recalled that Keys one day "caused a disturbance by throwing his furniture out of the window in a moment of Texan self-expression."

Earlier this year, he told the Herald about his memories of being fired from the Stones for filling a bathtub with champagne and missing a show.

"Yeah. That's what they tell me. It was reflected in my pay cheque so I guess it's true."

Originally from Texas, Keys turned professional at 15 when he toured with Buddy Knox, and went on to become a top session musician.

Keys was in New Zealand for a performance at the Powerstation with his own band the Suffering Bastards in March, which was originally a sideshow to the Stones' postponed concert.

He first performed in New Zealand with the Stones in 1973, and having returned to the fold in the late 80s, he was back on stage with the band in 1995 and 2006.

His tenor saxophone work can be heard on many of the tracks on Stones classic album Exile on Main Street album, as well as hits like Brown Sugar.

- AP with nzherald.co.nz