Jack White’s Keyboardist Found Dead In Mexico — Tour Canceled
In the middle of Jack White’s Mexican tour his keyboardist, Isaiah “Ikey” Owens, has passed away.
Jack White, the former front man for the band the White Stripes, has canceled the remainder of the tour dates.
According to CNN, White’s keyboardist was found dead in his Puebla, Mexico hotel. Consequence of Sound reported that a representative has stated that Owens died of a heart attack. The cause of Owens’ heart attack has not been officially released. Officials did find drugs and alcohol inside his hotel room but it’s also possible the keyboardist died of natural causes. Owens was 38 years old.
An official statement from Jack White’s record label has been released, announcing Owens’ death and sending him off with a loving message.
“It is with great sadness that we tell the world of the passing of the incredible musician Isaiah ‘Ikey’ Owens. He will be missed and loved forever by his family, friends, bandmates and fans.”
In addition to playing keyboards for the legendary musician Jack White, Ikey Owens also played in bands such as Mars Volta and Free Moral Agents. Owens joined Jack White’s band to play keyboards in 2012. He was a native of Long Beach, California. He was featured prominently on both of Jack White’s solo albums.
Jack White, who has been touring for his newest solo album “Lazaretto,” was scheduled to perform with Owens in Guadalajara on Tuesday and Monterrey on Wednesday, according to CBS News. White has chosen not to play those shows “out of respect for Ikey.”
Friends and fans of the keyboardist and Jack White’s music have flooded social media with condolences and support for Owens’ family and the rest of White’s band.
The bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea, and the drummer for the band the Roots, Questlove, both released a statements about the passing of Jack White’s keyboardist, sending their love.
“ikey beautiful ikey oh man love what a beautiful dude. r.i.p the beautiful ikey owens,” said Flea.
“dude. I’m so hurt over this man jesus,” said Questlove.
You can watch Isaiah Owens performing with Jack White and the rest of the band in the YouTube video below. The footage was obtained only days before his death at Mexico’s Corona Capital music festival.
The final word of Jack White’s band was one of proud remembrance.
“We will all miss you Ikey. You were and are an incredible artist.”
For more on Jack White, watch him cover Lorde’s “Royals.”
