Neal Casal, the guitarist-singer best known as a member of Ryan Adams’ The Cardinals, has died. He was 50.
His death was confirmed in a Facebook post on his official page.
“It’s with great sadness that we tell you our brother Neal Casal has passed away,” the announcement 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,” the post concluded.
A cause of death was not revealed.
Following Casal’s passing, Ryan Adams took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend.
“Oh man, my heart is broken,” he wrote. “What an honor to have known you, true believer. I love you. Go easy.”
Oh man.
My heart is broken
What an honor to have known you, true believer. I love you. Go easy
“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain”#RIPNealCasal pic.twitter.com/4vlj3l2EoU— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) August 27, 2019
Aside from Adams, Casal also collaborated with country singer Shooter Jennings.
“I am absolutely devastated with the news of the loss of my dear friend and consistent collaborator @nealcasal,” Jennings wrote on Instagram. “He was always my favorite picker in LA and we’d all just finished some beautiful music together. I’m really just hollowed out by this. God bless NC.”
Through the years, Casal has played in several groups, including Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hard Working Americans, and Circles Around the Sun. As a solo artist, he has released twelve albums.
His last post was from Aug. 19, when he shared on Facebook about his latest project.
“In the coming weeks, I’ll be producing a new record for the amazing singer/songwriter Kenny Roby of 6 String Drag,” he wrote on his official Facebook page.
Following Casal’s passing, several celebrities took to social media to honor his memory.
“This is unbelievably tragic news. I’ve always loved his music and played him many times on my @bbcradio2 shows here in the UK. So so sad. RIP Neal x, “British music broadcaster Bob Harris commented on Instagram.
“It’s hard to comprehend or believe this,” singer Courtney Jaye wrote on Twitter. “May your soul be resting in the deepest of peace. We will love and miss you forever.”
It’s hard to comprehend or believe this.
May your soul be resting in the deepest of peace.
We will love and miss you forever, @nealcasal ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8ncz8K5QA9— Courtney Jaye (@TropicaliJaye) August 27, 2019
Entertainment journalist and author Nick Milligan wrote on Twitter, “Hearing reports that Cardinals and Chris Robinson Brotherhood guitarist Neal Casal has passed away at the age of 50. One helluva player. Certainly blew my mind the four or five times I got to see @TheRyanAdams and the Cardinals live. RIP.”
Hearing reports that Cardinals and Chris Robinson Brotherhood guitarist Neal Casal has passed away at the age of 50. One helluva player. Certainly blew my mind the four or five times I got to see @TheRyanAdams and the Cardinals live. RIP.#NealCasal #RIPNealCasal pic.twitter.com/dT4RrM987L
— Nick Milligan (@NickMilligan_) August 27, 2019
While writer Jarrett Bellini wrote, “Earth was just a temporary stop. Enjoy your new circles around the sun. RIP.”
Earth was just a temporary stop.
Enjoy your new circles around the sun.
RIP @NealCasal. pic.twitter.com/M1gmnr9yJz— Jarrett Bellini (@JarrettBellini) August 27, 2019
