The saxophonist Max Willams, who was a member of the Waitresses and The Psychedelic Furs, died at the age of 68 on November 20, 2023 (Monday). The tragic news of his death was announced and confirmed by his hometown newspaper, “The Chicago Tribune.”
He was a well-known American saxophone player and had delivered immense work through his contributions to the rock band The Waitresses and later to the Psychedelic Furs.
Williams was born in Evanston, Illinois, in 1955 and went to DePaul University. He started his music training in classical, but his interest took him into rock’n’roll jazz. He got himself mentored by Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. Later, he paved his way to New York City during the late 1970s.
Williams was diagnosed with a rare cancer a year ago, ampullary cancer. The cause of his death was also the same disease, ampullary cancer, as reported by The Chicago Tribune. Any information regarding his spouse or children is uncertain as he was never witnessed with any love other than his love for saxophone or jazz
What was the cause of Williams’s death?
A year ago, William was found to have been diagnosed with a rare cancer, which is ampullary cancer. This cancer was too rare to be treated with proper medication henceforth, it caused his death after fighting against it for a year. The renowned saxophonist had given a series of amazing jazz and saxophone music.
The death of the famous saxophonist was undoubtedly tragic news for the industry, even though he had been diagnosed with this rare cancer for a year now. The emotions of loss were expressed by The Psychedelic Furs on Instagram while bidding farewell to the legendary member of theirs by saying, “We’re heartbroken. Goodbye to the great Mars Williams. Rest Well”.
Others had also expressed their condolences by commenting on the post, like Richard Fortus (former guitarist of Psychedelic Furs), Kiven Hearn, and Justin Warfield. The fans were also witnessed expressing the shock this news had given them and remembering his talented work.
Williams Work Life and Career
When he paved his way to New York City with his young heart full of dreams, he started playing in a few rock bands and later became a member of the Waitresses.
Though the work period was for a short time, it was impactful and contributed to his saxophone skills for hits like Christmas Wrapping as well as the two albums during the tenure of 1980–83, Square Pegs and I Know What Boys Like, and the saxophone deep-heavy cuts like the track of their Bruiseology LP.
After his working career with the Waitresses, he joined the Psychedelic Furs in 1983. He had invested most of his highly-rated career growth years in this band. He had joined the band to fulfill the position of saxophonist during their tour. His temporary involvement in the band expanded until 1989. Later on, he again did a collaboration with the Furs in 2005, which lasted until his final tour in October 2022.
The lasting legacy of Mars Williams will be paid tribute to by the members of the Psychedelic Furs, Zachary Alford, Richard Butler, Rich Gold, and the musicians of the Liquid Soul at a show in Chicago. Williams has been sober for two decades and has also supported fellow musicians through the MusicCares program. This benefit concert was planned for his medical care and converted into a lifetime celebration for him.
Early Life
Willams has left behind his mark on the pop and rock community with his phenomenal performances in his work life. He had his main focus on jazz and partially on experimental ensembles. Mars Williams was an active member of Chicago’s Liquid Soul for 25 years; he played a pivotal role in the group’s Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz record in 2001.
His extraordinary skills as a saxophonist got him praised by a downtown jazz legend, John Zorn. He admired Willams for his skills, and his ability to create a new style of saxophone playing that is modern.
He has done collaborations with musicians from different genres, which also included Billy Idol, Jerry Garcia, the Killers, and more. Williams has a tradition of leading the annual Ayler Xmas Tour and blending Albert Ayler’s jazz with Christmas Carols, which portrays the skills of this extraordinary saxophonist.
