The man behind some of the most memorable saxophone solos in Bob Seger’s top classic rock songs has died.

Alto Reed of the Silver Bullet Band died yesterday of colon cancer. He was 72-years-old.

Seger made the announcement on his Facebook Page.

Reed’s real name was Thomas Cartmell. He played with Seger for nearly 50 years. Songs like “Old Time Rock and Roll” and “Turn the Page” heavily featured Reed’s talents on the saxophone.

Seger reminisced that not only could Reed play nearly anything, but Reed was bold. Seger says while most people would feed gulls, he once found Reed feeding manatees.