Rod Stewart devastated by death of Ian McLagan

London: Rod Stewart has paid tribute to his late Faces bandmate Ian McLagan, saying he is devastated by his death.

Keyboard player McLagan died at the age of 69 at a hospital in Austin, Texas, after having a massive stroke on Wednesday, and Stewart said he is in shock after being told the tragic news by fellow former Faces member Ronnie Wood.

"I'm absolutely devastated. Last night I was at a charity do, Mick Hucknall was singing 'I'd Rather Go Blind' and Ron Wood texted to say Ian had passed. It was as if his spirit was in the room. I'll miss you mate," Stewart said.

McLagan was in the Faces with Stewart and Ronnie Wood until their split in 1975, when he decided to pursue a musical career as a session artist, performing with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Bragg.