It was with great sadness that I read on Facebook today of the passing of my friend Sal Maida at the age of 76. He had recovered well from significant heart surgery about a year ago, but apparently died due to complications following a fall.

Sal had been Roxy's touring bassist during the years 1973-1975 and went on to join Sparks, having already played with Milk 'n Cookies. In later years he enjoyed an extended spell in Cracker, before freelancing around New York in different bands, many of which were happy to include Roxy songs in their setlists at Sal's request.

I first met Sal briefly when he worked in NYCD record store in Manhattan (circa 2001) and later made contact with him again on FB and by email (he was kind enough to submit to a short interview for this site). I was lucky to consider him a friend for some years before we finally met in person in Brooklyn, NYC for Roxy's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was a charming man and great company.

I hope for his sake that there is another life after this one, as he will at least once again be with his beloved son Dylan, who passed away at the tragically young age of 26 not long after our Brooklyn meeting.

R.I.P., big fella, and thank you for the music; you will be missed by many.

Very sad news Smudge. Thanks for letting us know.
I was only looking at ways of buying his book a few days ago.

Very sad news indeed.
RIP Sal.

J.O'B.