(CelebrityAccess) – Neal Casal, the influential roots guitarist, has passed away at the age of 50.
The news was confirmed on Casal’s social media accounts earlier today (Aug. 27).
“It’s with great sadness that we tell you our brother Neal Casal has passed away,” a statement read. “As so many of you know, Neal was a gentle, introspective, deeply soulful human being who lived his life through artistry and kindness. His family, friends and fans will always remember him for the light that he brought to the world. Rest easy Neal, we love you.”
Best known for his work as the lead guitarist in Ryan Adams’ backing band the Cardinals, Casal also played with the Jayhawks, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and the Hard Working Americans.
As an in-demand studio musician, he played on records by Willie Nelson, Shooter Jennings, Lucinda Williams, Amanda Shires and Tift Merritt, in addition to touring with dozens of artists, including Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Phil Lesh, Sheryl Crow, Mark Olson, and Rufus Wainwright among others.
Casal was also a prolific singer-songwriter in his own right, releasing 10 solo albums between 1995 and 2011 and founding the group Circles Around the Sun.
No cause of death has been released.
