Prince's former drummer John Blackwell Jr. dies at 43

Thanks God for his life and thanks everyone for their support.

Several industry figures paid tribute to Blackwell on Tuesday, as news of his death spread.

#Prince just got his favorite drummer back and I know John is killing that groove up there.

In a separate post, West added: THE EPITOME of a heart of gold.

A goat in the drummer world.

A brother to me.

A sidekick on stage to me.

Pleased by the simple things in life.

We lost another brother… John Blackwell made his transition today!!!

wrote Morris Day, who also worked with Prince.

Our prayers go out to his wife and family!

One of the best to ever pick up drumsticks.

Prayers to family and friends.

See more tributes below.