Steve Mackay, 66, has died. The saxophonist was best knows for his work with the Stooges. It was recently reported that he was in critical condition form his battle with sepsis.

Mackay was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In interviews, Mackay says he was inspired by Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, King Curtis, Gerry Mulligan and many other jazz artists. He attended the University of Michigan’s art school in the 1960s. During that time he played in a band called Carnal Kitchen. Iggy Pop showed up to one of their shows and invited Mackay to play with the Stooges. The invite resulted in the making of two songs: “Fun House” and “1970”.

Mackay toured with the Stooges following their work on “Fun House”. According to Pitchfork, he was invited back to perform on the bands 2007 album The Weirdness and 2013’s Ready To Die. Mackay would then tour with the band in recent years. He has also made solo records and worked with the Violent Femmes, Sonny Vincent, Mike Watt, R. Steevie Moore, and countless others.

Iggy pop released a statement about Mackay’s passing:

“Steve was a classic ’60s American guy, full of generosity and love for anyone he met. Every time he put his sax to his lips and honked, he lightened my road and brightened the whole world. He was a credit to his group and his generation. To know him was to love him. – Iggy.”