Grant Hart (1961-2017)

Grant Hart, drummer and co-vocalist of the legendary Minneapolis band Hüsker Dü, has passed away. He was 56 and was known to have been suffering from cancer. As a songwriter Hart helped lay the foundation for what came to be known as the alternative rock sound, taking Hüsker Dü from their roots in the midwestern punk scene to international prominence and influencing a generation of bands after him. After Hüsker Dü fell apart, Hart performed in the band Nova Mob and later released a string of solo LPs, the latest of which was 2013's The Argument. Our deepest condolences go out to Hart's family, friends, and fans.

Chris Cornell (1964-2017)

Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave passed away suddenly last night in Detroit. Cornell had finished a concert at the Fox Theaer a few hours prior to his death. The cause of death has not been announced. Cornell was 52. Audioslave recently reunited at an anti-Inauguration gig. Cornell's representative Brian Bumbery stated: "His wife Vicky and family were shocked to learn of his sudden and unexpected passing, and they will be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause. They would like to thank his fans for their continuous love and loyalty and ask that their privacy be respected at this time."

Cel Revuelta (Black Flag) has passed away

Unfortunately, Cel Revuelta, who was in the final incarnation of Black Flag during the band's original run, has passed away. In June 2016, Revuelta was diagnosed with brain cancer. Although he underwent an operation and treatment, he succumbed to the disease last week. He was 56. Punknews sends its condolences to Revuelta's family. The family will be posting a few final updates here.

The Pisdicables keyboardist killed in auto accident

Mike Crampton, keyboardist for UK-based ska act The Pisdicables was killed in the early hours of Saturday morning, April 28th. Crampton and fellow musician James Montegriffo were both killed in a multi-car accident outside of Dartford, in Kent, UK. Eight other persons were injured in the crash, and the cause of the accident has not yet been determined by the authorities.

The band announced Crampton's death via their Facebook Sunday morning, stating:

Cameron Cranston of 1971 has passed away

Winnipeg, Canada's 1971 has lost a member of their trio. The band posted on their facebook page a eulogy for Cameron Cranston. You can see the post below.

Chuck Berry (1926-2017)

Unfortunately, rock n' roll legend and pioneer Chuck Berry passed away earlier today at the age of 90. No cause of death has been announced as of yet. He was known for such rock classics as "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Rock and Roll Music," "Maybellene" and many more as well as influencing countless bands. Berry is supposed to have an album coming out this year called Chuck.

Punknews sends its condolences to Chuck Berry's family and friends.

Erik Herzog of Bad Astronaut has passed away

According to a post from the Fat Wreck Chords Facebook page, Bad Astronaut drummer Erik Herzog has passed away. The band, which also featured Joey Cape, released three albums and one split with Armchair Martian. Fat Wreck Chords stated, "We are very sad to report the passing of Bad Astronaut’s drummer, Erik Herzog, an exceptionally talented musician and lifelong member of the Santa Barbara music scene. Our deepest condolences to Erik’s family and to our friends in Bad Astronaut: Joey, Marko, Todd, Angus, and Thom. " Punknews sends its condolences to Erik's family and friends. Photo by Gwendolyn Lee

You can read the label's full post here.

Micky Fitz of The Business has passed away (-2016)

Micky Fitz the lead vocalist of The Business has passed away. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2015. No official announcement from the band has been made as of yet.

The Business were one of the UK's first Oi bands. After a string of early singles, including the hit "Smash the Discos," the band released their debut album Suburban Rebels in 1983. The band's original run lasted until 1988. They reformed in '92 and have been a unit since then. They were influential on many punk rockers, including Lars Frederiksen, Andy Lefton, Dropkick Murphys, and many more. Punknews sends its condolences to Micky's family and friends.

Leonard Cohen has passed away

Sometime yesterday or the day before, singer song writer Leonard Cohen passed away, at age 82. Cohen's family made the announcement last night via Cohen's facebook. His family stated that there will be a private service. Cohen released his latest album, You Want It Darker last month. You can see the statement below.

Prince Buster has passed away at 78

Jamaican ska/rocksteady/reggae star Prince Buster has passed away. Buster, birth name Cecil Bustamente Campbell, was from Kingston, JA. Buster was an important part of the early ska scene. Likewise, his contributions were a large influence on the British two tone scene. Prince Buster was 78. Hear some of his hits below.