Former Santana Vocalist Alex Ligertwood Dies at 79

Alex Ligertwood, a celebrated former lead vocalist for the iconic rock band Santana, has passed away at the age of 79. His wife, talent agent Shawn Brogan, shared the news of his death in a heartfelt post on Facebook on May 2, 2023. She stated, “It’s with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 25 years, we knew each other for 36 years.” Brogan revealed that he died peacefully in his sleep at their home in Santa Monica, California, with his beloved dog, Bobo, by his side.

In her tribute, Brogan reflected on Ligertwood’s remarkable talent, saying, “Alex was loved by so many. If you knew him, you loved him. He touched so many with his extraordinary voice. He was all heart and soul.” She expressed her gratitude for his final performance, which took place a mere two weeks prior to his passing, highlighting his dedication to his craft. “He did it his way, on his terms, till the end,” Brogan added, concluding her message with an emotional farewell.

The exact cause of Ligertwood’s death has not been disclosed, though reports indicate that he had been battling various health issues over the years. According to local news sources, he passed away on April 30.

Born on December 15, 1946, in Glasgow, Scotland, Ligertwood gained international fame as the lead vocalist for Carlos Santana’s band during five separate stints from 1979 to 1994. He played an integral role in the band, contributing his distinctive voice to many of their works and even co-writing several songs. Notable performances during his tenure include the historic Live Aid concert in 1985, a defining moment in his career.

Reflecting on his time with Santana, Ligertwood recalled in a 2015 interview the day he was invited to tour with the band just weeks after auditioning. “It was a major step up for me. This was pretty much everything I’d ever wanted. Back in Glasgow, I’d never wanted to do anything other than play music,” he said. The singer described his experiences touring the world and performing to vast audiences as a “great experience” and a “very, very happy 15 years.”

Ligertwood also shared insights about the nature of fame, particularly when it came to Santana himself. He acknowledged the stark contrast between his own experiences and those of the legendary guitarist. “I can slip under the radar quite easily, even as the singer in a band like that, but for Carlos, life is very different from the normal person’s. He’s spotted immediately everywhere he goes,” he explained, shedding light on the challenges of celebrity.

In addition to his work with Santana, Ligertwood collaborated with several other renowned bands and musicians, including the Average White Band, Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, The Jeff Beck Group, and The Senate, among others. His versatile vocal ability and stage presence left a lasting mark on all who had the opportunity to work with him.

Tributes have poured in following his death, including a poignant remark from fellow musician Brian Auger. In a tribute, Auger expressed profound sorrow, stating, “To me, Alex aka ‘Wee Eck’ was simply the best singer to ever do it. In all my years of music, I never heard anyone who possessed that kind of range or that effortless, carefree ability to soar through a melody. He didn’t just sing songs; he lived them.” Auger lamented the loss, saying, “The world feels much quieter today without his voice, and I will miss my friend more than words can say.”

Ligertwood’s legacy will undoubtedly remain through the indelible tracks he contributed to with Santana and other collaborators. His extraordinary talent and passion for music not only enchanted audiences but also inspired countless artists who followed in his footsteps. As fans and loved ones remember him, the music world feels the void left by his passing, a testament to the profound impact he made throughout his life.