Psychedelic rock legend Joseph Allen “Country Joe” McDonald has died at the age of 84.
McDonald, who was known for fronting the sixties group Country Joe and the Fish, famously led the crowd at the 1969 Woodstock festival in the anti-Vietnam War protest anthem “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag.” The solo performance included the “Fish Cheer,” a call-and-response to “Gimme an F” that prompted the audience to spell out “f***.”
The singer and songwriter died of Parkinson’s disease Saturday in Berkeley, California, according to his wife, Kathy.
“We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Country Joe McDonald, who died yesterday, March 7th, at the age of 84, in Berkeley, California, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease,” the band said in an official statement Sunday.
“He was surrounded by his family, and the news has been confirmed by Best Classic Bands, as well as the McDonald Family,” the statement continued. “At this time, the McDonald Family requests privacy during this very difficult period. Please feel free to leave your condolences, memories and photos here on this post. Thank you.”
Psychedelic rockstar Country Joe McDonald, pictured in 2009, has died at 84 (Getty Images)
McDonald co-founded Country Joe and the Fish in 1965 with Barry “The Fish” Melton, who was the group’s lead guitarist.
The San Francisco-based band’s songs often centered on political and social issues, including their song “Superbird,” which satirically took aim at former President Lyndon B. Johnson, and their track “An Untitled Protest.” Their first EP, released in 1965, was titled Talking Issue No. 1: Songs of Opposition.
The group also put out hit songs like “Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine” and “Janis,” which was written for McDonald’s late ex-girlfriend Janis Joplin.
McDonald’s career spanned over half a century, and he was known for his social activism and support specifically for Vietnam War veterans throughout the years. In addition to his works with the psychedelic rock band, the artist wrote and recorded at least 40 albums during his solo career.
He is survived by his wife and five children.
Fans shared tributes to McDonald on social media following the news of his death Sunday, with one person writing on X, “RIP Country Joe McDonald. Thank you for electric music for the mind and body, acoustic gems and LP’s that make my heart happy and my soul smile.”
Another shared, “The man who led the world in the most famous ‘Fish Cheer’ in history has silenced his guitar. RIP to a true rebel of rock.”