Ian McDonald (musician)

Ian McDonald
McDonald in 2009
Background information
Born	(1946-06-25) 25 June 1946 (age 70) Osterley, Middlesex
Genres	Rock, progressive rock, jazz fusion, hard rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, producer, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, flute, keyboards
Years active	1968–present
Associated acts	King Crimson Foreigner
Website	allmusic.com/ian mcdonald

Ian McDonald (born 25 June 1946) is an English multi-instrumental musician, best known as a founding member of progressive rock band King Crimson, formed in 1969, and of the hard rock band Foreigner in 1976. He is well known as a rock session musician, predominantly as a saxophonist. He also plays keyboards, flute, vibraphone and guitar.

Born in Osterley, Middlesex, McDonald served five years in the British Army as a bandsman. His music talent ranged from classical orchestra to dance bands to rock. In 1969, he was in King Crimson's initial line up, which recorded their first album In the Court of the Crimson King. McDonald and drummer Michael Giles departed and formed a spin-off group that released one album titled McDonald and Giles. He reappeared in King Crimson in 1974 and intended to rejoin the band as a full member but did not get the opportunity to do so given Fripp's decision to split the band.

He became a founding member of the band Foreigner in 1976, for whom he played guitar as well as his woodwinds and keyboards. He has been a session musician and appeared in the recording of the hit single "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" by T. Rex, and recordings by Linda Lewis, Christine Harwood amongst others. He also has some production credits to his name, including albums by Fruupp, Darryl Way's Wolf and Fireballet. In 1999, he released a solo album, Drivers Eyes.