Neal Casal (credit: picture via the artist’s Facebook page)
The former Cardinals guitarist who worked with Ryan Adams and Cass McCombs has died, Getintothis’ Simon Kirk reports.
Neal Casal, the singer-songwriter and member of Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hard Working Americans, and the Cardinals, has died by suicide at the age of 50-years-old.
In the week before Casal’s death, he had been recording an album with Circles Around the Sun.
News of Casal‘s death was confirmed by his representatives via Instagram yesterday, which reads:
“It’s with great sadness that we tell you our brother Neal Casal has passed away. As many of you know, Neal was a gentle, introspective, deeply soulful human being who lived his life through artistry and kindness.
“His family, friends and fans will always remember him for the light that he brought to the world. Rest easy Neal, we love you.”
In more recent times Casal divided most of his time to the Hard Working Americans, releasing three albums; the Skiffle Players with Cass McCombs, releasing two albums and an EP – the latest being last year’s self-titled album which followed 2016’s brilliant debut, Skifflin‘, and as guitarist of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, who released their sixth album, Servants of the Sun in June this year.
Casal began his career in the 1980s with Florida rock band, Blackfoot. Following his debut solo album, 1995’s Fade Away Diamond Time, Casal musical career included collaborations with Ryan Adams as a part of the Cardinals, which included one of Adams‘ finest albums in Cold Roses.
Other collaborations include, but are no limited to, three albums with Hazy Malaze from 2003 and 2009, contribution to James Iha‘s 1998 release, Let It Come Down and Lucinda Williams‘ 2001 album, Caravan of Dreams.
Mental health support – helplines and support groups:
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: [email protected]
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