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.”
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.
“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.”
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.”
While writer Jarrett Bellini wrote, “Earth was just a temporary stop. Enjoy your new circles around the sun. RIP.”
