Tributes pour in for American guitarist Neal Casal, who has died aged 50

Music
27 Aug 19

The musician is famed for his work with Ryan Adam and the Cardinals, Blackfoot, Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Circles Around the Sun.

American guitarist Neal Casal has passed away at the age of 50. News of the New Jersey native's death were confirmed in a post on his official Twitter account this morning:

It’s with great sadness that we tell you Neal Casal has passed. As so many know, Neal was a gentle, soulful human who lived life through artistry & kindness. His family, friends & fans will always remember the light that he brought to the world. Rest easy Neal, we love you. pic.twitter.com/Q0ap7jrkUC

— Neal Casal Music Foundation (@nealcasal) August 27, 2019

The musician, who has worked with a number of high profile musicians over the years, was the guitarist for Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Circles Around the Sun. Only last week, he took to Twitter to announced that he would "be producing a new record for the amazing singer/songwriter Kenny Roby" in the coming weeks.

Casal was a member of Ryan Adams' backing band, the Cardinals, for several years, recording three studio albums. Adams remarked that his "heart is broken" at the news, remembering Casal's "kindness & brotherhood":

Oh man.
My heart is broken
What an honor to have known you, true believer. I love you. Go easy
“I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain”#RIPNealCasal pic.twitter.com/4vlj3l2EoU

— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) August 27, 2019

American singer-songwriter Shooter Jennings also worked closely with Casal, calling him a "dear friend and consistent collaborator":

English music presenter Bob Harris, a former host of BBC2's The Old Grey Whistle Test, remembered Casal as "such a lovely guy":

So very sad to hear of the passing of @nealcasal I have always absolutely loved his music and have played him many times on my shows on @BBCRadio2 Such a lovely guy #RIPNealCasal

— Bob Harris 💙 (@WhisperingBob) August 27, 2019

American musician Dan Grimm, who closely collaborated with Casal, also paid tribute: