Ian Stewart, Scottish keyboardist/road manager (Rolling Stones), dies at age 47 (born 1938).

The music world was left in mourning when on December 12, 1985, Ian Stewart, the acclaimed Scottish keyboardist and erstwhile road manager for the iconic band Rolling Stones, passed away at the relatively young age of 47. Remembered for his impact on the group, his contribution to their unique blend of rock and roll, his untimely departure was felt by fans and the industry alike, marking the end of an era symbolized by his unique musical style and pervasive influence on the Rolling Stones.

Born on the 18th of July in 1938, Ian Stewart was an integral part of the Rolling Stones’ foundation. While he may not have been as heavily in the public eye as Mick Jagger or Keith Richards, his influence on the band’s formation, development, and sustained success was undeniable. Lending his potent keyboard skills and melody mastery to many of the band’s biggest hits, Stewart significantly shaped the group’s signature bluesy rock sound.

Dedicating his life to the love of music, Ian Stewart consistently demonstrated not only his creative prowess but also his administrative capabilities. After being dismissed from the official line up of the band due to their manager not agreeing with his image, Stewart refused to abandon ship. Instead, he donned a new hat, taking on the role of the band’s road manager. Transitioning smoothly and proving his indispensability, he worked tirelessly and efficiently, coordinating schedules, managing logistics, and ensuring the band’s tours were executed flawlessly.

Ian Stewart was not just a keyboard maestro, he was much more; he was a strategist, an organiser, a dedicated team player and above all, the unofficial ‘sixth Stone.’ His involvement with the Rolling Stones, whether that meant tickling the ivories during studio recording sessions or managing the intricacies of a world tour, was always full-on, proving his unwavering dedication and love for the band.

Many of the Rolling Stones’ most notable tracks bear the touch of Ian Stewart’s keyboard mastery. Songs like ‘Under My Thumb’, ‘Ruby Tuesday’, or the famous ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together’, are rich with his unmistakable rhythm-and-blues influenced style. He blended different genres with deft skill and created a sound that was both edgy and mainstream, pushing the envelope of musical conventions while also keeping millions of fans hooked.

Even despite his departure from the main lineup, Stewart’s influence on the music remained constant. His contributions to the Rolling Stones’ later albums such as ‘Dirty Work’ and ‘Steel Wheels’ proved important, reminding people of his enduring significance for the group.

The news of Ian Stewart’s passing in 1985 was received with widespread shock and grief. The world lost a genuinely talented musician, an astute manager, and a man who loved music with all his heart. Keith Richards, the band’s guitarist, acknowledged Stewart as “the glue that held the whole thing together”, a testament to his importance and influence within the band.

Undoubtedly, Ian Stewart’s legacy continues to live on through the Rolling Stones and their timeless music. Even years after his sudden departure, the music industry remembers him as an integral part of one of the most influential rock bands in history. His contributions as a keyboardist and a road manager significantly shaped the Rolling Stones’ musical journey, and his memory continues to inspire upcoming generations.

In the realm of music and beyond, Ian Stewart is an enduring symbol of dedication and resilience. His transition from a band member to a road manager illustrates his unwavering commitment to the group. And while the story of the Rolling Stones may be incomplete without mentioning him, the legacy of Ian Stewart is just as potent, telling a story that’s woven into the greater narrative of rock and roll itself.