Jack White has posted the news that talented multi-instrumentalist Isaiah “Ikey” Owens has passed away. White relayed the news this afternoon via social media and has cancelled the remainder of his tour in Mexico.
Owens, a California native, was a member of White’s backing band the Buzzards, and also performed with the Mars Volta, Free Moral Agents, De Facto, Long Beach Sub All Stars and others. He was 38 years old.
Update 2:01 p.m.: Consequence of Sound has more — “Mexico’s Periodico Digital was the first to report news of Owens’ death. According to the publication, he was found dead in his Puebla, Mexico hotel room on Tuesday morning. Authorities reportedly found drugs and alcohol in his room, but the exact cause of death remains under investigation.”
Here is White’s official statement, in full:
It is with great sadness that we tell the world of the passing of the incredible musician Isaiah “Ikey” Owens. He will be missed and loved forever by his family, friends, bandmates and fans.
Ikey Owens was an astounding keyboard player in Jack White’s backing band. He also played with Mars Volta, Free Moral Agents, and many other projects.
Out of respect for Ikey, the remaining shows of the Jack White Tour in Mexico have been cancelled.
We will all miss you Ikey. You were and are an incredible artist.
Here is video of Jack White and his band performing “Seven Nation Army” a few days ago in Mexico…