Musician Col. Bruce Hampton dies on stage at Fox Theatre

ATLANTA - An Atlanta musician died on stage at the Fox Theatre on his birthday, Monday night.

Col. Bruce Hampton collapsed on stage after his performance. The eccentric guitarist and singer known as the forefather of the jam band scene died at the end of the show billed by Atlanta’s Fox Theatre as ”Hampton 70: A Celebration of Col. Bruce Hampton. He had tued 70 a day earlier.

”As I played tonight, I had a joy that I’ve never had ... But it was eerie, banjo player the Rev. Jeff Mosier said in a tearful Facebook post. ”And then at the end, Bruce looked like he was jokingly worshipping that young guitar player. And he got down on his knees and I was getting ready to do the same thing. ... I was lucky to know him and I was lucky to be there.

Family of Hampton posted the following message on their Facebook page about the incident.

Hampton tued 70 years old Monday.

The much-loved musician shortly before his death. Picture: Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images