The surviving members of the Dave Matthews Band [ tickets ] are no doubt shocked and saddened by the untimely death of their saxophonist LeRoi Moore, as reported today on LiveDaily. Moore died at a Los Angeles hospital yesterday (8/19)--quite unexpectedly. He reportedly was preparing to begin physical therapy as he recovered from a June ATV accident that occurred on his farm.

At this point, the band plans to go forward with its current tour. If one's job is to make music, the process of mourning and recovery is embedded in one's work, and can be cathartic--not only for the artists but for those of us who witness it from the audience. Oscar Wilde said it beautifully: "Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory."

And what is the alternative? Canceling the remaining shows on DMB's itinearary would only add insult to injury for fans who are also mourning the loss of Moore. If we had a chance to ask LeRoi how to handle the situation, we can easily imagine him saying, "Play!"

Regardless of conjecture, the band's last few shows will be deeply charged with emotion and will likely be remembered as a grand farewell and celebration of LeRoi Moore's contributions.

Your truly took some photos of The Dave Matthews Band when they played a set at last year's Live Earth Concert at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.