Psychedelic Furs star dies at 68 as fans pay tribute to 'great' musician

21 November 2023 , 12:28

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Mars Williams has sadly died after getting diagnosed with cancer a year ago (Image: Larry Marano/REX/Shutterstock)

Iconic saxophone player Mars Williams, who has played for the likes of Waitresses and Psychedelic Furs, has died at the age of 68 after a year-long cancer battle.

The Chicago Tribune was the first outlet to confirm the musician's death, reporting that the cause of his passing was ampullary cancer following getting diagnosed a year ago.

The Psychedelic Furs paid tribute to the late band member today, with them sharing a social media post that simply said today: "We’re heartbroken. Goodbye to the great Mars Williams. Rest well. 1955 – 2023."

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Mars was known for being a band member of the Psychedelic Furs (Sipa/Henry Diltz/REX/Shutterstock)

Mars, who was born in Illinois, is known for having performed in the Waitresses, with him performing on tracks like Christmas Wrapping. He then joined the Psychedelic Furs in 1983 before leaving the band in 1989.

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But that wasn't the end of Mars' union with the Psychedelic Furs, because in 2005 he rejoined them. The iconic sax player reunited with the band most recently on their autumn ‘23 tour.

While he had a hiatus from the Psychedelic Furs, the musician founded Liquid Soul, with him also playing with the likes of the Killers, Wayne Kramer and Billy Idol.

Mars was diagnosed with cancer in December 2022 (Larry Marano/REX/Shutterstock)

Tributes are continuing to flood in for Mars, with many fans flocking to the Psychedelic Furs' post on X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay their respects and share messages of condolence.

One person penned: "So sorry for your loss, our loss. A gifted, passionate musician who felt the Furs’ music to his soul." While a second added: "Oh no!! RIP Mars. I was so happy to see him back on stage with you in Del Mar a month ago. He looked and sounded amazing. This is very sad news."

A third then went on to say: "Awful news. What a great saxophonist and entertainer. Had the fortune to meet him briefly pre-gig in Leicester a few years ago; top top man." While a fourth wrote: "I saw him in Asbury Park a couple months ago and I really enjoyed his playing and strutting the stage. I first saw him and the Furs in 86 at the Barn at Rutgers. I'm in shock."

According to the Chicago Reader, Mars was diagnosed with ampullary cancer in December 2022. The rare form of the disease is said to affect the body near bile duct and pancreas.

The outlet reported that Mars underwent major surgery that required a three-week hospital stay, adding that in March of this year, he began a six-month course of chemotherapy.

Mollie Quirk