(Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Alto Reed, longtime saxophone player for Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, passed away Wednesday morning from colon cancer.
Alto was a sax star! Born Thomas Cartmell in Detroit, he was an original member of the Silver Bullet Band who started playing with Bob Seger in 1971, and he was by his side at Cobo Hall in Detroit in 1975 recording the live album that made them take off, "Live Bullet." His onstage personality made him a standout in concert, with everybody waiting for those signature opening notes to the classic, "Turn The Page."
In a statement, Bob Seger said, "I loved him like a brother. I may have been the leader, but he was our rock star. He was the audience favorite, hands down. He was bold and worldly. I learned so much from the guy. And he was a great ambassador to the fans. He took time for everybody, any picture, anywhere. I can't say enough good things about him."
Rest in peace Alto...