Ian McLagan smashes the rock’n’roll stereotype. While many rock musicians revel in the attention of groupies, “Mac” dedicates his concerts and recordings to his late wife.
In 1978, McLagan married Kim Kerrigan, a union that lasted for more than a quarter-century. In August 2006, however, Kerrigan died in a traffic accident near the couple’s home in Austin, Texas. She was 57.
At 8 p.m. Thursday June 16, McLagan headlines a SongStage Live concert to the Catherine Cummings Theater at Cazenovia College, 16 Lincklaen St. He’ll front the Bump Band which includes Syracuse native Jon Notarthomas playing bass. Opening Thursday’s show will be Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Famers Gary Frenay and Arty Lenin.
McLagan, 66, boasts an impressive rock’n’roll resume. He played keyboards for Faces, Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones. His Wurlitzer electric can be heard on the Faces’ “Stay with Me,” and the Stones’ hit “Miss You.”
His Hammond B-3 is featured on the Small Faces “Ichycoo Park” and Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May.” As a songwriter he co-wrote Faces’ hits “Cindy Incidentally” and “You’re So Rude.”
Born in Middlesex, England, McLagan now lives in Austin where he was inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame in 2004. His latest CD, “Never Say Never,” is a collaboration with Small Faces mate Glyn Johns, and features a guest appearance by Patty Griffin.
CBS Morning News correspondent Bill Flanagan said, “‘Never Say Never’ mixes mischief and heartbreak, dancing on the bar and crying in your beer, in perfect proportion.”
McLagan has also written a book titled “My High Life in Small Faces, Faces, and the Rolling Stones.” But his most touching memoir is the one he wrote about Kim Kerrigan after her tragic passing:
She is a flower and a dream, and finally the Angel she always was … Her family and friends are spread all over the world but the outpouring of love for her is just a reflection of the love she gave. She said, “You get what you give,” and as always she’s absolutely right.
Now McLagan promotes the Texas Advocacy Project in her memory. TAP is a statewide, nonprofit, legal organization that promotes access to justice for Texans in need.
Appearing here Thursday in McLagan’s Bump Band will be guitarist “Scrappy” Jud Newcomb, bassist Jon Notarthomas and drummer Don Harvey
Presented jointly by Live Space Entertainment and Cazenovia College admission to the June 16 concert costs $15; a cash bar and light snacks will be available.
To purchase tickets, call Brown Paper Tickets, 800-838-3006, or buy online at brownpapertickets.com.
Tickets may also be purchased by calling 655-STAR, at Cazenovia Jewelry on Albany St., or at the door.
