RIP: The legendary Tucker Zimmerman has passed away at the age of 84.

Respected by David Bowie and adored by Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief), the American adopted by Belgium passed away when his home in Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse (Belgium) went on fire. His wife Marie-Claire went with him on this sadJanuary 17th

Born in February 1941 in Los Angeles, the American artist has long since chosen Europe, and more specifically Belgium, as his home. As early as 1974, he recorded an album with the self-explanatory title "Over Here In Europe"! David Bowie tirelessly cited his first album, "Ten Songs By Tucker Zimmerman" (1969), as one of his 20 favorite albums of all time. Although he opted for a life of seclusion (or almost) in Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse, Tucker Zimmerman's music has nonetheless continued to captivate younger generations. Long very private, Tucker Zimmerman seems to have been seized by an artistic fever at 80.

With Adrianne Lancer (34) and Buck Meek (38), the two leaders of Big Thief who are passionate about his repertoire, the venerable veteran was even signed to the 4AD label for a magnificent "Dance Of Love" released in 2024. Far from being a final testament, this experience rekindled his love for performing in a trio format (with his son Quanagh) and, while other projects were being announced, a final, highly poetic album, "Music by River Words By Ear," was released.

One of Tucker Zimmerman's best-known songs is titled "Burial At Sea." If this is indeed his last wish, his son, who already manages his father's archives, will undoubtedly fulfill it. Quanagh owes his first name, meaning "eagle" in English, to a famous Comanche chief who always kept his word. (Stéphane Soupart - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Tucker Zimmerman on stage in Pousseur (Belgium) in December 2021