Following a battle with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson’s disease, co-founder and lead singer of 1960s rock band Country Joe and the Fish, Country Joe McDonald has passed away in California.
In an official statement on the band’s social media accounts:
“We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Country Joe McDonald, who died yesterday, March 7th, at the age of 84, in Berkeley, California, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.” “He was surrounded by his family, and the news has been confirmed by Best Classic Bands, as well as the McDonald Family. At this time, the McDonald Family requests privacy during this very difficult period. Please feel free to leave your condolences, memories and photos here on this post. Thank you.”
Best known for penning the anti-Vietnam War anthem ‘I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag,’ a song that went on to become one of the defining statements of the counterculture movement in the late 1960s, Joe is renowned for his solo performance of the protest song at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
Comprised of keyboardist David Cohen, drummer Gary ‘Chicken’ Hirsh, bassist Bruce Barthol, and guitarist Barry ‘The Fish’ Melton, Country Joe and the Fish were a fixture of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene that was known for tackling social and political issues.
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Jay Godwin – Public Domain