Cory Smoot aka Flattus Maximus, guitarist of Gwar, passed away today. The cause is stil unknown.
Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus), vocalist of the band posted the following message :
It is with a sense of profound loss and tragedy that the members of GWAR must announce the passing of their longtime guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot, also known to thousands of metal fans worldwide as Flattus Maximus. Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing. There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred. At this point there is no word on arrangements and the disposition of the remainder of GWAR's current North American tour, nor are there any details regarding long-term plans. At this point we are just dealing with the loss of our dear friend and brother, one of the most talented guitar players in metal today. We ask that our fans and the media be respectful of our request for privacy for those that have suffered this terrible loss. A full statement will be coming in the next day or so, in the meantime please give your thoughts and your prayers to Cory, his family, and all the people that love him.
We share our deepest thoughts to his family and closest friends, as well as to Gwar.
Children Of The Damned members have issued the following statement on their official website :
After swallowing the departure of guitarist Richard Ebisch a few weeks ago, Legion of the damned got yet another sad news delivered to their camp: ex bassplayer and friend Twan Fleuren commited suicide.
Twan joined the band Occult in 1998 where he directly joined them on a tour with Morbid Angel, Amon Amarth and Gorgoroth in 1999, after the recording of Occult's "Rage to revenge" in 2001 and 2 great tours with Dark Funeral in 2001 and Exodus, Nuclear Assault and Agent Steel in 2003, Twan Fleuren was also at the beginning of the succes of Legion of the damned and recorded with the band the legendary "Elegy for the weak" with Andy Classen in 2003 that was later re-released under the name "Feel the blade" in 2007, as well as the recording of "Malevolent rapture" in 2004, which was released in 2006, the album that brought Legion of the damned to a level where they are in right now.
Twan Fleuren was also part of the first Legion of the damned tour that took place in 2006 with no one less than Kataklysm and Cannibal Corpse, however, Twan left the band half way the tour because his, at that time, baby born son was hospitalized, the band then agreed that it would be better for Twan to leave the band because doing the band and having its family was to complicated at that point, he was then replaced by bassplayer Harold Gielen in 2006.
About Twan's lost singer Maurice states: "Another very sad day in the Legion camp, Twan has been a great friend and we lost contact for several years because he was in some difficult times, only a few weeks back we were all back in contact again and it felt like these great old times were about to return, even Erik and me joined him on a terrace for a beer or 2 a few weeks ago, he even wanted to join us to With Full Force in July, where I was really looking forward to, he even showed alot of intrest in our new guitarplayer and the departure of Richard Ebisch. The bad news that came in today struck as a bomb not for me only personally but also for the band Legion of the damned.
Ofcourse we wish his family and kids all the strength they need in this process. We will miss you brother and ofcourse all of the upcoming Legion of the damned shows will be dedicated in his name!" Drummer Erik announced following: "Yet another sad day in the history of Legion of the damned. We knew that Twan had to face some extreme difficult times, but we certainly did not expect this, he was about to join us at some upcoming festivals and we were really looking forward to that. Maurice and I are happy that we still had a nice chat and drink with him at a terrace not so long ago after a really long time of not seeing eachother, rest in peace my friend and my sincere condolences to his family"
Andy Siry / Boomer Entertainment (management) states: "When Maurice informed me this afternoon that Twan commited suicide I was totally shocked and speechless. I remember when I met Twan at the first LEGION OF THE DAMNED tour in 2006 (with Cannibal Corpse, Kataklysm). Twan was a very kind and nice man and a good bass player. Our ‚beer talks' was always funny. Twan made the decision to leave the band during this tour to take care of his wife and his two kids … and now this terrible news … and the big open question is ofcourse why??? What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we cannot understand why Twan left this earth so soon, but little by little, we will begin to remember not just that Twan died, but that he lived. And that his life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. Twan will always stay a member of the LEGION OF THE DAMNED! RIP – brother , see you on the other side, and my condolances to Cristel, Nina & Joep & his family."
Slipknot members Shawn "Clown" Crahan and Joey Jordison have released separated statements commemorating Paul Gray, who has died in May 2010. He'd have been 39 today.
Hey everybody, it’s Clown, I wanted to say that today is a very special and beautiful day. I wanted everyone to know that I am the type of person that would not commemorate a day that someone close to me passed away, but I am the type of person that celebrates the day that they were born. Today is the day that Paul Dedrick Gray was born which makes it a very, very, very special day for me and all of us who miss and love him and think about him every day. Paul, I love you and I miss you. Your friend and brother forever,
Clown
Today is a day that will have a special place in my heart forever. It’s a special day for all, for not only me and the guys in our band and families, but for everyone to put smiles across their faces and to celebrate the emotion and beauty of one of the greatest souls to ever grace music and humanity. I spent all of last night watching our videos since our days as little kids who had a dream and fuck, Paul we did make that dream come true. I fell asleep last night only to wake up minutes ago with a smile on my face as my slumbers were filled with memories I’d long forgot. Even as I write this my eyes are getting a little watery. He loves all of you who embraced his music. God bless to Brenna, October and all his friends and family as well. I wish that all of you that couldn’t share time with Paul will by playing his records ‘til your ceilings crack and your ears bleed and by celebrating his memory in the glory that it is. I love you Paul and I’ll see you again soon, but not yet…not yet. Hail Paul, hail Slipknot. Your friend,
Joey
According to Manowar guitarist Ross "The Boss" Friedman, former Manowar drummer Scott Columbus has died yesterday (April 4th) at the age of 54. Nancy, Scott's girlfriend, has commented on his Facebook page : "For all you to know, this is Scott Columbus's girlfriend of over 3 1/3 years... and I cannot get the words out, but he died today... Please send your thoughts and prayers. I can't believe he is gone. He was the absolute love of my life."
Exhorder bassist Frankie Sparcello passed away today. More information will be made available later.
Commented Exhorder vocalist Kyle Thomas : "Don't know quite what to say, so I will say I love you and see you on the other side some day.
For those that are unaware, Frankie Sparcello of Exhorder passed away yesterday. What was supposed to be a birthday gathering for me now will include toasting his life and friendship tonight at Pat's Pub."
Rigor Mortis vocalist Bruce Corbitt : "RIP Frankie Sparcello of Exhorder! Man, I admit I am shocked about this tragic news. I just saw him at the Down show in Houston 2 weeks ago and he seemed fine. I was really looking forward to having fun with him in a few weeks at the Exhorder/Rigor Mortis shows. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and bandmates!"
Guitarist Gary Moore has died in a hotel room in Spain, where he was on holidays, early this Sunday morning at the age of 58. Gary Moore was the former guitarist of the band Thin Lizzy and of the Irish group Skid Row. The members of Thin Lizzy have issued the following statement :
"It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of Gary Moore. Our thoughts go out to Gary's family at this time and our memories of Gary and his contribution to THIN LIZZY and music in general will live on forever."
Added drummer Brian Downey : "I am in total shock. I have known Gary since 1967 when he was in PLATFORM THREE and he's been an amazing friend ever since. It was a pleasure to play with Gary again in 2006 after his days with LIZZY. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and I just can't believe he is gone.", and guitarist Scott Gorham : "Playing with Gary during the 'Black Rose' era was a great experience, he was a great player and a great guy. I will miss him.".
Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore passed away at the age of 57. Guitarist/vocalist Dave Meniketti have released the following statement:
"It is with profound sadness and disbelief that I tell you that my best buddy for 37 years, [Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore], passed away this morning, January 7, 2011 at 1 a.m. at Stanford Hospital. Bravely and steadfastly battling the horrible spectacle of lung cancer, at the end he was surrounded by his family members, and the Y&T family up until his final breath.
All the beautiful things that I could say about my buddy Phil could never be summed up in a short sentence or two, and I promise that I will be back to say so much more about how I feel about him and his talents in due time. But for now, at 3 a.m., after just having returned home from his passing, let me at least put this out there.
Phil Kennemore was not only a sweet and passionate man with his life, friends and family, but as an artist, he also had that rare ability to say what was on his mind with the most eloquent, clever, and to-the-point lyrics, yet could turn it on its head in a second with some other viewpoint on reality and nail the point dead center. He was able to do what very few can — say the things that others have been thinking, but could never quite seem to put into words. He has always had a keen knack for doing that.
As a musician, with those huge fingers, his bass playing was always loud, strong, and deep, filling the largest or smallest of stages equally.
He had an amazingly strong life force that has influenced everyone who ever had the opportunity to be called a friend of his. I am forever grateful for our lifelong friendship, that was always in place throughout the worst and best of times. I will miss his sense of humor, his amazing wit, but most of all I will always miss not seeing him to my left on the stages I will play from this moment forward.
Yes, he was one of the class guys on this planet, and in this business, and I will always do what I can to spread the legacy of Phil Kennemore across the globe on every stage that I land on.
You know how much I love you, Phil, and you knew how much your fans and fellow musicians loved and respected you. There was nothing left unsaid. You had a rich and wonderful life and I can only tell you that I was happy to have been alongside you every step of the glorious way.
Famous Gotthard vocalist Steve Lee passed away yesterday (October 5, 2010) at the age of 48 in an accident while he was riding his motorcycle with his friends near Las Vegas. According to Nuclear Blast :
"The Gotthard singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends just this weekend to fulfil a long-cherished dream for which he'd never had the time, due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the states on a Harley Davidson. The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles. On Tuesday 5 October, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee. Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 16:13 local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead.
Among the passengers were Gotthard bassist Marc Lynn and Lee's girlfriend Brigitte Voss Balzarini. All other fellow riders were unharmed."
According to The News Tribune, Stephen Wesley Ungerbuehler — who was known as Steve Unger when he played bass for METAL CHURCH from 2004 to 2009 — was arrested Monday (August 23) for allegedly leading a three-county marijuana-growing operation in the Washington state. He was charged Wednesday with leading organized crime, unlawfully manufacturing a controlled substance and money laundering. Pleas of not guilty were entered on his behalf.
He's being held in Pierce County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Ungerbuehler's attorney, Jay Berneburg, told The News Tribune his client "adamantly denies" the allegations against him. Berneburg said Ungerbuehler is a professional musician who travels and has earned his money legitimately through record sales, concerts and other contracts.
"This is another case of the war on drugs run amok," Berneburg said.
On Monday August 2nd on the way to Nevada after a show in Oregon Early Graves were involved in a tragic van accident that took the life of vocalist Makh Daniels. The band has released the following statement after which is a statement from Trevor Phipps of Ironclad Recordings. A commemorative JPEG of Makh is downloadable at the following link http://warmfuzzypublicity.com/download/Makh.zip
There are no words that can properly say all the things that I want to say about our friend Makh Daniels. He is one of the most amazing writers I have ever known. He is incredibly funny. He is wise beyond his years. He is the most honest person you could ask for as a friend or a band mate. I had the pleasure to be in 2 bands with Makh and they were some of the best years of my life thus far. Sadly, Makh Daniels was taken from all of us. He wrote a lyric in an Early Graves song "To everyone that I've ever loved, I've Failed" but if there is anything that I could tell him is how proud I was of him and how much I loved him and how much his friendship meant to me. We were all like brothers.
I know that there was a lot of people out there who were also deeply affected by this wonderful man, Makh Daniels and I cannot tell you how much he loved music and performing and how much he wanted to affect and help people get through their demons in life.
To all of you guys, and to all of the amazing amount of love you guys have sent our way, Thank you. You guys are helping all of us get through this horrible time. We are nothing without each other right now and you guys are helping so much. But we've seen the whole community of metal and punk and hardcore musicians and fans join together in this trying time and I want to say how much it means to us and his family.
There is a donation paypal account that is now set up that if you would like to donate some money for services, ect, please do. The paypal account email is ripMakhDaniels@gmail.com and honestly anything you can donate would be greatly appreciated.
The funeral will be on Monday, August 9th at the Good Shepards Church in Pacfica on 901 Oceana Blvd. There will be a reception afterwards and we are asking everyone to please bring in a potluck item as we are expecting a lot of people to be there and we would love to have everyone who loved Makh or his music there.
There will also be a memorial show for him on August 29th at the Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. The address is 155 Fell st. This was where Makh worked and he would want us all there drinking Jameson shots and Sierra Nevada pale ale for him, with him. We will be selling memorial shirts for Makh with all proceeds going to his family to get him through this tough time.
Also, please support the show in Los Angeles on friday, August 6th. It was to be one of the last shows of our tour. The last of the Eary Graves merch will be there and all proceeds will also go to the family of Makh. The show info can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103265066393941
Makh, I love you. Thank you for everything you were.
Chris, Tyler, Dan, Matt. Early Graves.
From Trevor Phipps of Ironclad Recordings:
"The tragic death of Makh Daniels has shaken us at Ironclad completely to the core. Within the label we pride ourselves in our personal relationships and family like atmosphere and the loss of Makh is the untimely and devastating loss of a friend. I personally knew Makh as a man of incredible passion. You could read it in his ferocious yet challenging lyrics and see it in his undying heartfelt stage performance. Whether he was playing in front of seven or 700 people he would always perform with the same intensity and genuine emotion. He continuously showed his love for his words, music, friends and anyone who was lucky enough to be in the room with him while he performed. His life was cut far too short and he will be sorely missed by his family, brothers in Early Graves, friends around the country, and all those that he touched with his lyrical and performance command. R.I.P. Makh."
A benefit and memorial show has been planned for Makh Daniels, vocalist of EARLY GRAVES, who tragically passed away on Monday in a van accident, while on tour in Oregon. Everyone is encouraged to come and show support for someone who dedicated his life to touring and the metal scene, and help his family with the costs involved with this tragedy. All proceeds from the door and a percentage of profits from the bar will be donated to Makh's family.
MAKH DANIELS BENEFIT AND MEMORIAL SHOW
Friday, August 6th
@ The Bamboo Lounge
14308 Telegraph Road
Whittier, CA 90604
21+ over - $5 donation – 8pm-2am
Live performances from:
ANTAGONIST
EXHAUSTED PRAYER
DESTROY JUDAS
+ 2 more special guests
Slipknot members , Paul Gray's brother and widow have held a conference in Des Moines , Iowa . You can watch the video below .
The police said that no cause of death has been found after the autopsy , and that it could take 6 weeks before the "test results are complete and the cause of death can be determined" .
Slipknot bassist Paul Dedrick Gray was found dead today at 10:50 PM at a local hotel (TownePlace , 8800 Northpark Drive , Urbandale, Iowa ) . He was 38 , and was about to be a father .
The autopsy will be performed tuesday , and according to the police : "toxicology testing will be completed to determine if there were any contributing factors in the death of Gray"
Yesterday (May 16 , 2010) , we have all heard the sad news about Ronnie James Dio , who died of a stomach cancer . His wife , Wendy Dio , has released the following statement :
"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever. "
Here are a few statements from bands and artists :
Twisted Sister : "Ronnie not only was a giant in the worldwide metal scene, but he was also one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.
Ronnie was one of the most supportive and gracious members of the music community. "
Nicola Van Dyk / Redemption : "I lost a musical hero today, and the news has hit me harder than I thought it would.
The world of heavy metal has lost its voice."
Shawn Drover / Megadeth : "I am at an absolute loss right now upon hearing that Ronnie has passed away .
I swear to you he is one of the nicest human beings I have ever met .
If you are lucky enough in your lifetime to actually meet one of your idols (let alone tour with them) and they turn out to be even nicer than you could have envisioned, that is something you would truly treasure. Lucky for me, I will cherish those memories forever."
Ralph Santolla / Obituary : "There's not a person in metal today that doesn't owe something to Ronnie James Dio.
He seemed to treat everyone he encountered as an equal, but few are his equals.
Rest in peace, and God bless you."
Judas Priest : "Ronnie was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed ."
Kiss : "We mourn the tragic passing of the great Ronnie James Dio. In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability, Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him. We will miss him."
Robb Flynn / Machine Head : "He was a powerhouse singer. Incredible tone, and grit. His voice onstage was FUCKING LOUD!! Shockingly loud!! We were lucky enough to watch from side stage almost nightly, and all of us were blown away by how loud his voice was. [...]
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you've done for music, Ronnie."
Into Eternity : "I'm still taking in the fact that we have lost yet ANOTHER timeless metal musician. R.I.P., Ronnie James Dio. A life that was lived to the fullest and also influenced thousands and thousands of musicians .
"Cancer is a battle for many people these days; the world is losing many talented,loving and wonderful people. Do what you can to prevent and/or help find a cure.
Stay healthy, my friends!"
Wolf: "We are very sad this day. We have lost THE greatest, most powerful and biggest voice in hard rock and metal. For WOLF, Ronnie James Dio, was/is a great inspiration and we will always keep his voice alive listening to his music. We all met him on several occations and he was always very nice and took the time to chat about music and the world.
You will be sadly missed. May your music live on and on forever."
Joe Di Taranto / Warmachine : "I am devasted to learn that Ronnie James Dio has passed.
The world has lost a true legend and pioneer.
I could not believe it. Ronnie James Dio, the legend, my idol and one of my biggest childhood inspirations, knew who I was .
I will always be greatful to Ronnie for his time, his hugs and, of course, his amazing music.
You will be sorely missed, Ronnie...
Long live the King of Rock N Roll!"
Iron Maiden: "It is with huge sadness we hear that Ronnie has lost his battle against stomach cancer, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Wendy and family at this terrible time.
Ronnie was not only an incredibly gifted singer but also a wonderfully warm, intelligent and generous person and this shone through both on and off stage leaving a positive mark on everyone he came into contact with. The world has lost an irreplaceable talent and, first and foremost, one of the finest human beings you could ever wish to meet."
It's a sad news for all the fans of Type O Negative and Peter Steele who passed away yesterday (Wednesday , April 14) at the age of 48 . He probably died of heart failure , after being ill for a few days .
Petrus T. Ratajczyk , aka Peter Steele was born on January 4 , 1962 in New York , and was one of the greatest voice in the metal world . He also played in Fallout and Carnivore .
James Owen Sullivan (aka The Rev) , the drummer of Avenged Sevenfold was found dead at his home on Monday 28 (december) . He appears to have died of natural causes . He was 28 years old .
Avenged Sevenfold : "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan.Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly, he was our best friend and brother.Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Album releases
Cory Smoot aka Flattus Maximus, guitarist of Gwar, passed away today. The cause is stil unknown.
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Children Of The Damned members have issued the following statement on their official website :
Slipknot members Shawn "Clown" Crahan and Joey Jordison have released separated statements commemorating Paul Gray, who has died in May 2010. He'd have been 39 today.
According to Manowar guitarist Ross "The Boss" Friedman, former Manowar drummer Scott Columbus has died yesterday (April 4th) at the age of 54. Nancy, Scott's girlfriend, has commented on his Facebook page : "For all you to know, this is Scott Columbus's girlfriend of over 3 1/3 years... and I cannot get the words out, but he died today... Please send your thoughts and prayers. I can't believe he is gone. He was the absolute love of my life."
Exhorder bassist Frankie Sparcello passed away today. More information will be made available later.
Guitarist Gary Moore has died in a hotel room in Spain, where he was on holidays, early this Sunday morning at the age of 58. Gary Moore was the former guitarist of the band Thin Lizzy and of the Irish group Skid Row. The members of Thin Lizzy have issued the following statement :
Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore passed away at the age of 57. Guitarist/vocalist Dave Meniketti have released the following statement:
Famous Gotthard vocalist Steve Lee passed away yesterday (October 5, 2010) at the age of 48 in an accident while he was riding his motorcycle with his friends near Las Vegas. According to Nuclear Blast :
According to The News Tribune, Stephen Wesley Ungerbuehler — who was known as Steve Unger when he played bass for METAL CHURCH from 2004 to 2009 — was arrested Monday (August 23) for allegedly leading a three-county marijuana-growing operation in the Washington state. He was charged Wednesday with leading organized crime, unlawfully manufacturing a controlled substance and money laundering. Pleas of not guilty were entered on his behalf.
On Monday August 2nd on the way to Nevada after a show in Oregon Early Graves were involved in a tragic van accident that took the life of vocalist Makh Daniels. The band has released the following statement after which is a statement from Trevor Phipps of Ironclad Recordings. A commemorative JPEG of Makh is downloadable at the following link
A benefit and memorial show has been planned for Makh Daniels, vocalist of EARLY GRAVES, who tragically passed away on Monday in a van accident, while on tour in Oregon. Everyone is encouraged to come and show support for someone who dedicated his life to touring and the metal scene, and help his family with the costs involved with this tragedy. All proceeds from the door and a percentage of profits from the bar will be donated to Makh's family.
Slipknot members , Paul Gray's brother and widow have held a conference in Des Moines , Iowa . You can watch the video below .
Slipknot bassist Paul Dedrick Gray was found dead today at 10:50 PM at a local hotel (TownePlace , 8800 Northpark Drive , Urbandale, Iowa ) . He was 38 , and was about to be a father .
Yesterday (May 16 , 2010) , we have all heard the sad news about Ronnie James Dio , who died of a stomach cancer . His wife , Wendy Dio , has released the following statement :
It's a sad news for all the fans of Type O Negative and Peter Steele who passed away yesterday (Wednesday , April 14) at the age of 48 . He probably died of heart failure , after being ill for a few days .
James Owen Sullivan (aka The Rev) , the drummer of Avenged Sevenfold was found dead at his home on Monday 28 (december) . He appears to have died of natural causes . He was 28 years old .
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