Keyboard player Ian died at the age of 69 at a hospital in Austin, Texas, after having a ''massive stroke'' on Wednesday (03.12.14), and Rod admits he is in shock after being told the tragic news by fellow former Faces member Ronnie Wood.
Talking to NME.com, Rod said: ''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.''
Ian was in the Faces with Rod 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.
Singer/songwriter Billy, 56, took to Twitter to pay tribute to Ian - who was also in the Small Faces - describing him as one of the ''greatest players'' in ''British rock''.
He tweeted: ''I have lost a dear friend and British rock has lost one of its greatest players. RIP Ian McLagan.''
Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones were among other stars who posted on the social networking site to mourn the loss of the musician.
Steve wrote: ''Sorry to hear Ian McLagan died today, he and the faces was a big part of my teens. (sic)''
