Psychedelic Furs star Mars Williams is confirmed dead aged 68. How he died, what happened to him, his fortune, career, and achievements explored.
Mars Williams had a successful career in the entertainment industry.
He was a prominent American saxophonist.
In November 2023, the world learned about his passing. Tributes from fans poured in on social media ahead of a highly-anticipated event honoring the musician.
Following his death, many might want to know more about his cause of death, career, net worth, and personal life.
What was Mars Williams’ cause of death?
Mars Williams has died aged 68.
He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last year.
Williams’ death was confirmed by his brother Paul to the Chicago Tribune who explained that the jazz musician passed away from ampullary cancer which affects the small intestine.
The musician’s family paid tribute to the late saxophonist’s “inexhaustible energy” which saw him spend his final weeks with fans.
“Until the end, Mars’ inexhaustible humor and energy, and his love for music, pushed him forward,” Williams’ family said in a statement.
“As it became clear in late summer that his treatment options were coming to an end, he chose to spend six weeks of the time he had left living as he had since he was a teenager – out on the road performing night after night.
“Those last performances with the Psychedelic Furs will live on with all of the other incredible contributions that Mars has made as a person, and as a musician, and that boundless energy will continue to inspire.”
The Psychedelic Furs have been left “heartbroken” by the loss, according to a tribute posted on social media.
A picture was posted of Williams’ saxophone on a stand on an empty stage looking out at a row of empty seats.
The caption said: “We’re heartbroken. Goodbye to the great Mars Williams. Rest Well. 1955-2023.”
Underneath the tribute, fans poured out their love for Williams and shared the memories of seeing him perform over the past few months.
“Oh no!! RIP Mars. I was so happy to see him back on stage with you in Del Mar a month ago,” one fan wrote.
“He looked and sounded amazing. This is very sad news.”
“He had such great stage presence and was so fun to watch,” another added.
“Glad I got to see him play one last time back in September. My sincere condolences to you all.”
Williams has been dubbed a “legend” by fans as they revealed on social media that he played with the Furs just two days before his passing.
“So pleased to read that Mars played with you as recently as two days before he passed away. Total legend!” one wrote.
“My condolences as I know he meant a lot to you Furs.”
In honor of Williams, a benefit show called “Music for Mars” will be held at Chicago’s Metro on November 25 with performances from numerous musicians including members of Guns N’ Roses, Ike Reilly, and Jeff Coffin from Dave Matthews Band.
The event aims to raise money for the Mars Williams Medical Treatment Cancer Fund.
Who was Mars Williams?
Mars Williams was a musician and a jazz and rock saxophonist.
He was born on May 29, 1955, in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States.
The iconic saxophonist played for the American new wave band, The Waitresses from 1980 to 1983.
the British post-punk band Psychedelic Furs from 1983 to 1989.
He was also a member of the British post-punk band Psychedelic Furs from 1983 to 1989. He again gained the musical group from 2005 until he died in 2023.
The musician known for hooks in “Christmas Wrapping” and “Heartbreak Beat” was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last year.
Williams also was a founding member of the acid jazz group Liquid Soul and a member of the free jazz-oriented NRG Ensemble.
Was Mars Williams married?
Mars Williams was not known to be married publicly. He was tight-lipped about his love life.
The late American jazz and rock saxophonist was possibly single as he had not been previously engaged.
Did Mars Williams have any children?
It remains unclear whether the 68-year-old Psychedelic Furs Sax Player had biological or adopted children.
What was Mars Williams’ net worth?
Mars Williams, Saxophonist of The Psychedelic Furs & The Waitresses, had a sizable fortune at the time of his death.
Mars Williams reportedly had an estimated net worth of between $500,000 and $800,000.