UPDATE: Nels Cline sends us this obituary for Sky Saxon, his “first rock idol.”

UPDATE: Members of the Source Family remember Sky Sunlight Saxon, also known as Arelich.

L.A. RECORD is deeply saddened to learn that Sky Saxon—mentioned only days ago in our interview with Isis Aquarian, historian of the Source Family—has passed from an as-yet-unspecified condition this morning in Austin, Texas. Saxon’s wife Sabrina reported that Sky was in critical condition yesterday and after a tense and troubled update she posted today that “Sky has passed over and YaHoWha is waiting for him at the gate. He will soon be home with his Father. I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep him here with us. More later. I’m sorry.” Our writer Jed Maheu spoke to Sky in 2007 and found him optimistic, energetic and determined:

It is time for the independent to rise to the top. I feel I helped give birth to this which now must be ever so. Green energy—which is money—will sometimes be hard to get but if the true artist is selling his own music, he’ll find it liberating and fun and won’t have to wait for some ignorant person at a record company to tell him his music is no good or the truth is most people are out of touch. Everybody knows anything new comes first from the underground. These people wait like vultures for someone to bring them something. When that happens it upsets the balance because if they were really that great, in time they would have made it on their own and on their own terms. So for music—the main goal is to bring enjoyment and soothe the savage beast of man. That is what I have always wanted to do with my music. And I want to keep it as pure as possible. That is why up to date I have not bothered with major labels for I feel they really cannot afford me. So don’t ever sell yourself out. If it is at all possible, be as independent as you can.

We offer our condolences to Sabrina and Sky’s other family and friends. Sky’s music and sheer presence will always be a part of Los Angeles music history. More information from other reports here and here.