Liu Yuan, a rock star who is also a well-known saxophonist in China, as well as a key member of singer Cui Jian's renowned rock band, Qi He Ban band, passed away in the midnight on Sunday at the age of 64, Chi Bin, the agent of the band, announced the news on his official Sina Weibo account.

Cui Jian’s agent released the obituary on his Sina Weibo account on behalf of Liu’s parents, Cui and the other band members.                    

According to the Paper.cn, on November 4, Liu was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 20th anniversary of the 2024 Jazz Festival held in Shanghai. Cui accepted the award on Liu’s behalf and wished his friend a swift recovery.

Liu was a veteran member of Cui's band. His father, Liu Fengtong, was a renowned folk musician known for playing the Suona, a Chinese traditional instrument. Liu Yuan grew up surrounded by music, experimenting with every instrument he could find, Guangming Online reported.

According to Cover News, a news outlet based in Sichuan Province, in 1984, Liu co-founded the Qi He Ban band with Cui and five others, releasing China’s first album by a local band. In 1986, Liu was also involved in the formation of the ADO band, which began collaborating with Cui the following year.

Chinese rock singer Wang Yang, better known as Lao Lang, also mourned the death of Liu on his Sina Weibo account. “Farewell, brother Yuan,” he wrote.

Global Times