Former Santana singer Alex Ligertwood has died at the age of 79.
The Scottish musician, best known as the lead vocalist for the Latin rock band, died just two weeks after his last show.
“It’s with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 25 years, we knew each other for 36 years,” his wife, Shawn Brogan, wrote on Facebook in a post announcing the news.
“Alex passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side yesterday.
“Alex was loved by so many. If you knew him, you loved him.
“He touched so many with his extraordinary voice. He was all heart and soul.”
Brogan wrote that Ligertwood’s “favourite thing” in life was to make music.
“He performed his last show just two weeks ago. I’m grateful for that. He did it his way, on his terms, till the end,” she wrote.
“I will always love you, my sweet Alex. Rest in peace. Soar and sing with the angels, my love.
“Please keep me & his family, Lynn & Stewart Locke, Alex, Jenny, Kali, Merci & Marilo in your prayers.”
Ligertwood was born in Drumchapel, Glasgow, and took up guitar in the 1950s.
He was the lead vocalist of Santana, founded by lead guitarist Carlos Santana in 1966, on and off between 1979 and 1994.
He worked with the band on albums including 1979’s Marathon, 1981’s Zebop! and Sacred Fire: Live In South America, released in 1993.
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He has since performed with the German tribute band The Magic Of Santana, as well as Senate, Jeff Beck Group and the Average White Band.
Ligertwood is understood to have been living in Santa Monica, California, when he died.
A statement from The Magic Of Santana on social media said: “We are so sad! We just heard about Alex J Ligertwood passed away!
“We had a great journey together with him and we learned so much about music, passion and friendship.
“He was one of the best singer on this planet and we will deeply miss him. Thank you Alex, for everything.”
