Neal Casal, Guitarist For The CRB & Circles Around The Sun, Dead At Age 50

Neal Casal, the guitarist for bands including Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Circles Around The Sun, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, and more, died on Monday at the age of 50.

A statement shared to Casal’s social media pages on Tuesday morning reads:

“It’s with great sadness that we tell you our brother Neal Casal has passed away. 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.”

No cause of death was revealed to go with the shocking announcement of Casal’s passing.

Neal Casal was one of the many notable musicians who performed at LOCKN’ Festival in Arrington, VA over this past weekend. In addition to a Circles Around The Sun late-night set, the guitarist had been part of Oteil Burbridge‘s all-star “Oteil & Friends” performance on Saturday afternoon alongside Bob Weir, Duane Betts, Melvin Seals, Eric Krasno, Jay Lane, Alfreda Gerald, and Lamar Williams Jr. as well as TAB horns Jen Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, and James Casey.

Earlier this month Casal had shared a video to his Facebook announcing he would produce a forthcoming album project from Kenny Roby of 6 String Drag. Circles Around The Sun was also scheduled to head out on a run of tour dates in support of their new EP, Circles Around The Sun Meets Joe Russo.

Neal Casal was also an accomplished photographer. You can check out some of his photo work here.

Rest easy, Neal. You will be missed.