Dave Matthews Band saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who played with the group since its inception in 1991, died today. He was 46. The musician was recently readmitted to the hospital for injuries stemming from a June 30th ATV accident on his farm outside Charlottesville. The band is still scheduled to play the Staples Center in Los Angeles tonight (Bela Fleck saxophonist Jeff Coffin has been filling in) according to TMZ, which has a statement from the band. [Photo via d-m-b.us.]
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Sad news. RIP
LeRoi was a class act, he will be sorely missed. I have loved DMB for years and years and now I feel so very fortunate to have seen the band play live. What a tragic and sudden passing of a very talented musician. RIP LeRoi!! Peace to you.
What a loss …being a jazz fan, his horn is what drew me in to the dmb….. all the good ones die young…God just added one hell of a horn
haven’t listened to these guys in almost 10 years, but i feel like my childhood died a little
There is an official statement up on http://www.dmband.com. I’ve kinda drifted away from DMB but this really hurts. They were one of my favorite bands in high school and when I saw them live, LeRoi always brought his A game. He will be missed.
What a terrible loss. Moore was a great sax player and, from all accounts, a great person as well. I’m don’t listen to them much anymore, but DMB won’t be the same band without him. R.I.P.
I have been upsessed with the dave matthews band since 1991. This feels like a member of my own family has passed away. It is selfish to think of what the band will do without LeRoi. He was the heart and soul of the band. Today we lost a good man.
It’s hard for me to know how to feel now. I’ve seen the band a dozen times since the last decade, but I pretty much stopped caring around ’05 after being let down too many times. I’m listening to Before These Crowded Streets now, and it’s a really odd feeling. It’s the first time that a member of a band that I have ever really cared about (at any point in my life) has passed. I’m sad for the band, and for that long gone part of my life.
Words can not describe the sorry I feel right now. Roi you will be forever missed. You talent can never be replaced!
My heart goes out to Roi’s family and the rest of the band.
I just want to say thanks to the man who made the band’s music that much more unique. I became a man while listening to the DMB; through high school, through college and now as a professional, and I’m truly saddened by the news. At least his memory lives on through the music…
“LeRoi Moore on the Saxaphone!”
I have seen the band about 80 times and of those, twice have been without Roi (once he was sick and once was last month after the accident). Although Jeff does a great job filling in, it just wasn’t the same and I’m afraid it never will be. I will deeply miss Roi. I don’t know what I am going to do never being able to hear him play my favorite songs again. The band has been a big part of my life for 11 years. I traded live music in my spare time in college and every one of those 80 shows I looked forward to 3 hours of uninterrupted, heartfelt, uplifting music that always took my cares away. I am so totally bummed.
you know, i think dave matthews band sucks balls.
Echoing some of the comments above, my tastes have sort of moved away from DMB over the years, but that band played a formative role in my development as a music consumer. Seemed like a genuinely good guy (They all do), played a mean sax and whistled like a champ. His whistle solo in “Let You Down” never gets old to me. RIP.
Whistling and sax have no place in rock music, Bowie excepted.
I’ve never been a huge fan of DMB, but this is sad news all the same. RIP LeRoi Moore; you will be missed by many.
What are they doing playing the show tonight? They better make it a fucking wake.
Although I probably haven’t seen DMB live since 2000, I was really upset to hear this as well. Although my tastes in music may have gone away from this as time has passed, I always enjoyed pulling out the occasional show or album to listen to. It’s been one of those nights where I feel compelled to listen to some DMB. Bartender has always been a favorite song and tonite the lyrics seem especially poignant.
I played saxophone all through Middle and High School, Leroi was my God. I had fallen away from DMB in recent years, though I still call myself a big fan.
This is horrible news and a sad day. Like someone said above, this is the first time a member of a band I truly identified with has passed. I honestly don;t know what I am feeling.
“i haven’t listened to DMB since high school, college, blah blah blah” – hopefully because your shit tastes have moved on. then again, maybe you just prefer the rawk of nickelback, or as true fans call ‘em, The ‘Back
That’s the punishment for once playing in this band.
Marc, I assume you’re kidding? Or just an insensitive fucking asshole? I never ever have liked DMB’s music, but shit, a man died. It’s sad, whether you like the band or not.
I just saw DMB twice this past week and hoped LeRoi would be back next summer rocking it out with the rest of the guys. Such an amazing talent. DMB won’t be the same without him. Just incredibly sad. May he rest in peace.
The Dave Matthews Band brought me to life when I was 15 years old and didn’t know who I was. They are the first thing I think of when someone asks me “how did you get so into music?”. The music will never be the same without him. RIP LeRoi Moore, you will be missed more than you’ll ever know.
This is very sad, but now i realize why everyone on this blog bitches about the music they post here: everyone here apparently likes DMB. yuck.
I can’t believe he died…. DMB Shall never be the same. I have only seen DMB twice live and it was the time of my life, now it won’t be the same. LeRoi brought a lot of emotion in Dave’s music, may he rest in peace…
you know, i think FLAMER is just an insensitive fuck!!! the band will definitely not be the same. like many others, i’ve drifted away from the band but i’ve seen them several times and each show was great and never the same. leroi will be missed and peace to him…
For the few posters who have made comments about DMB’s music: click on the most recent Oasis or Coldplay threads and make your derogatory comments there. Moore was obviously respected by many for his personality and talents, so show a little decency. This is not the place to criticize the band’s sound.
I for one remember fondly a number of the band’s albums and multiple concerts, and am deeply saddened by the news.
As unfortunate as this whole situation is, they are lucky to have Coffin sit in for him. He’s fantastic. Why they are having the show at all is beyond me, is there a single ticket holder who wouldn’t understand? This is going to be rough on the band.
This guy was an amazing musician, as are many DMB members, but you have to admit DM himself writes some pretty shitty music.
Frankly I am shocked to see so many DMB fans on Stereogum. To each his own, though.
People die all the time.
I’m not sure why saxophonists in terrible bands are getting eulogized here, but whatever…
I kinda laughed when I read who his replacement is.
Irony is pretty awesome.
RIP Leroi, live on through that music,
http://www.nutsie.com/music/Dave%20Matthews%20Band
I’m not taking anything away from the fact someone died. I’m sure this is terrible for all his friends and family and fans etc. But seeing so many people on say how DMB “made them a man” or “changed their life” is so shocking to me. When I was in middle school and high school (thankfully they werent that popular anymore when I got to college) they were the complete antithesis for all the kids that I thought this site was about. Sure you can say (as someone did earlier) that Oasis and Coldplay are big huge bands that this site covers but at least they fit into the alternative or indie or rock and roll genre at some point in their career. DMB, to me, is the ultimate representation of the enemy. I think of DMB I think of douchebags in cargo shorts and pooka shells. Again, I’m not taking anything away from a man’s death, but to see so many people saying they love DMB on here, former fans or otherwise, really blows my mind.
“Ultimate representation of the enemy”?
Is that a joke? Easily the dumbest thing I’ve read all week.
Step down from you soapbox, Jacket.
Anyone who doesn’t appreciate DMB and how talented they all are as musicians really don’t know much about music. You must all be listening to the crap that is on the radio these days, or are completely ignorant. Roi will be terribly missed.
Hahaha – calling yourself ‘rudeboymarley’ says it all! Leave your DMB CDs in your dorm room when you graduate. You’ll be better for it, and you’ll thank me.
I have been a huge DMB fan for a decade or more. Unfortunately, outsiders see the cargo wearing fans more as a representation their fanbase when this is not true. They have some of the most dedicated and supporting fans around who truly appreciate music. Yes, there are the frat boy fans who ruin shows, but for me there has been no other band who has had a profound impact on my life. Dave’s songwriting isn’t what it use to be and they haven’t released much good since the Lillywhite sessions fell apart, but they are still a part of my life and were really the gateway to the multiple genres of music i enjoy today. We will miss you at Alpine, Roi
I gotta ask: Is this the same guy posting over and over again from every computer in his office about how DMB changed his life?
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Haha…Nah, I’m not the same guy. I never said they changed my life, just had an impact on it and did, indeed, lead me on a path to the music i listen to more nowadays. I don’t listen to the band as much as I used to, but like someone said before, it is nice to pull out an earlier record or show from the old days and listen to how much the band showcased the talents of Moore and Beauford. To talk down the band is to talk down some very talented musicians who play a mix of multiple genres not really combined before and not done much anymore, especially by modern popular bands and those of the indie genre.
I think that RileyCartwright has put it best. What he said perfectly sums up my sentiments–and probably most of those that are getting torn apart for acknowledging that they, at one time, liked Dave Matthews Band.
R.I.P.
Also, anyone who sees other music fans as “the enemy” really needs to grow the fuck up.
Music doesn’t have a face or clothing preference last time I checked dipshits, that’s part of what makes it so great.
It’s the people who latch onto trends, wear the clothes they think they’re supposed to wear and choose sides instead of just enjoying things for what they are.
It’s cool if you don’t like the music or whatever, but generalizing a whole fan base makes you look as ignorant as the people you’re complaining about.
DMB had a good run in the mid-’90s and some people liked them and then had their musical tastes evolve as they got older. Pretty sure this is how things go for a lot of people growing up. Unless you just came out of the womb listening to Deerhunter and Fuck Buttons, which I wouldn’t doubt some of you rep.
Spare us music nazis, there isn’t a more worthless or superficial cause.
So I don’t really comment on here but I thought I would chime in…
I was 13 when Under the Table and Dreaming started being passed around on cassette tapes at my sister’s high school. Now, this music was very different than anything at the time, and these guys were really refreshing when everyone else was listening to Alice and Chains, etc. I never got into the band myself, but felt a bit of kinship with them b/c I liked the horns and violin.
I never bought anything after their first album, which I bought on cassette tape, b/c I felt they immediately went pop, but I did buy Leroi’s solo stuff. Fantastic.
Sure, they kind of went puffpop, that sucks, but these guys were good musicians in their own right, ESPECIALLY Leroi.
So sad, regardless of what you think of DMB.
Face it, they were f**king revolutionary when they released their first album.
I never liked DMB and didn’t know this guy nor was I touched by his art in any way. But I still feel sorrow for the loss felt by those whose life he did touch and for those close to him personally.
I’ve lost enough people in my life to realize what a painful thing surviving a loved one is.
You can regret the man’s death while still hating the band’s music… and their whiny fans who wouldn’t be who they are today without the band. Please keep your high school yearbooks and diaries closed, kids.
Much like you can regret the man’s death while keeping your snarky comments about people expressing their like for the man’s music to yourself, right Bernie?
My prayers go out to his family and friends and to all the members of DMB.
My Tribute to LeRoi Moore – http://www.redux.com/playlist/dave_matthews_band_leroi_moore_tribute
My guess is that most DMB haters love bands who really look up to DMB.
Even if you don’t like the music consider this:
1. the rise of a band through tape trading, not record label hype. that sounds pretty ‘alternative to me’
2. the ability to sell out shows year round for over 15 years straight.
3. the band is tight. if you ever saw a show you would clearly realize the difference between an indie band and this level of musicianship which is probably why your favorite bands probably love DMB too.
I listen to indie music, DMB and I admit that I love Pearl Jam. I am not a fan of creed though.
1. Bernie Mac
2. Issac Hayes
3. Leroi Moore
all black celebrities can sleep well again knowing the tri-death cycle has passed.
Except that Rep. Tubbs Jones died yesterday too. Quite sad.
Although I lost track of the goings on of DMB about five years ago, as a native Virginian, their music and their shows very much defined a large part of my teenage years. I feel like I just lost a high school classmate. So sad.
Technical skill does not automatically equal a good band
High school yearbooks and diaries? right, because all of the songs made by a majority of the bands covered on the site don’t sound like your buddy’s shitty band in high school who thought they were more talented and revolutionary than any band covered in the mainstream.
wasn’t there a rape at a dmb concert last summer? i’m definitely surprised by the level of fandom for them here.
People are people and we all have likes and dislikes…people may feel a passing while other may not. LeRoi was an amazing man! I have seen him play many many atimes and he has been steller. Musicians are amazing and able to reach deep down and enlighten you when you never even thought you needed it. Dave Matthews Band would be the same, they’ll still be amazing and blow our minds with Carters phat beats, or Fonzies Funky bass, and every musician that plays with dave…They are a melting pot of Funk, rock, jass, blues ..and it all. Leroi will be missed…When I listen to live TRAX or bootlegs I just feel the loss that DMB is having as well as us all. He never ceased to amaze me with all the instruments and melodies that he through out. LeRoi we’ll miss ya! Peace
DMB meant a lot to me during high school. Though I don’t listen to them anymore, their music definitely helped me to appreciate finer music. LeRoi will be sorely missed and it’s tragic that the good ones certainly do die young.
It’s pretty sad that someone would actually leave a comment on here calling DMB the enemy. Since when did music become the enemy? I was under the impression this was a music blog. MUSIC IS NOT THE ENEMY KID, YOU ARE.
I am amazed at how behaved this comment board is, besides a few jackasses – there are a surprising amount of people who are coming out of the closet with their love for DMB. I was expecting this comment board to be a giant diatribe against the douchey-demographic of the band.
I personally owe my current “alternative” music taste to Dave Matthews. Even though he’s gotten cheesier over the years – he was my first introduction into college radio and non-mainstream music with Under The Table… even all the way up to Before These Crowded Streets. Everyday is where I jumped ship.
I’ve outgrown them quite a bit, but they were definitely my first taste of the un-top 40.
Condolences to his family and the band.
Shitty music is the enemy.
Ah whatever, im obviously in the minority here. Have fun and remember to share the hackey sack!
not a fan.. but RIP.
RIP and all but wow I never knew stereogum had all these DMB fans. What on earth.
Reading some of these immature posts makes me a little ashamed that I share musical tastes with some of these people. I am not a DMB fan but I do respect what Leroi did on a technical level. However, above all, I have a respect for human life! With that said, it is certainly sad when anyone passes away, especially from an unexpected accident.
I understand that some of the younger bloggers grew up with DMB on MTV and have “learned” to hate DMB b/c it is the socially accepted thing to do in their “counter-culture scenes.” Some of the older readers may actually remember when DMB was underground music and people actually LISTENED to the band before they formed their opinions.
So true, brett.
Ultimately, no one really gives a shit whether DMB made you a man or you think they are the antichrist… Can’t we all just be respectful because this man died? Some of these comments are just in poor taste. This is not a forum for expressing your opinion of DMB. It’s a place to show your sympathy for LeRoi’s friends and family and everyone who is affected by his tragic death.
Jesus Christ. I’m not a DMB fan, but did you people honestly just turn an obituary post into an argument about whether DMB is “cool” or not? Why don’t you go to a funeral and insult the corpses tux?