Brian Redman of Trial/Three Inches of Blood (1978-2009)

Brian Redman of influential 90s straight edge hardcore outfit Trial and most recently of metal revivalists 3 Inches of Blood has passed away at 31. According to a report from local media:

The Pierce County Medical Examiner confirmed that Redman died early Sunday morning. Based on details provided by Detective Brad Graham of the Tacoma Police Department, Redman was thrown from his scooter after apparently striking a curb on the 2400 block of N. 21st Street, in Tacoma.

His bandmates in Trial posted this note:

I'll never forget Brian Redman, hard to forget a guy that was a walking party. No matter who came in contact with Brian, they were instantly attracted to him. He was one of the most sincere, sarcastic, witty, intelligent, talented guys that you would meet. Even if he was having a bad day, he put on a happy face to raise the spirits of those around him. He was a good…no, he was a great friend to all those that he cared for and cared for him.

Our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Beau Velasco, co-founder of The Death Set

Beau Velasco, co-founder of critically acclaimed Baltimore/New York/Philadelphia electro-punk group The Death Set, has passed away in Brooklyn, the band's manager confirmed today.

Details of Velasco's death have not been released, but his band mate Johnny Siera posted this message on the band's Facebook page:

R.I.P. my dear brother, friend and band mate Beau Velasco. We are all so devestated that I will keep this short. We love you and you will be missed. You affected us all so much in the most positive ways. Our lives would not be as is if not for you. W…e love you. For all those who wish to pay their respects we will let the details known soon.

The Death Set came together in mid-2005 in Australia, and moved to Baltimore shortly thereafter. They released the album "Worldwide" in 2008 on Counter Records, an imprint of Ninja Tune.

Our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Jim Carroll (1949-2009)

Legendary punk poet Jim Carroll has passed away at 60. The cause was a heart attack, said Rosemary Carroll, his former wife.

Carroll was well-known in the mainstream for the film, The Basketball Diaries, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and covered his youth. His poetry and music was very influential, with Patti Smith saying:

I met him in 1970, and already he was pretty much universally recognized as the best poet of his generation, The work was sophisticated and elegant. He had beauty.

His fans included Allen Ginsberg, Ted Berrigan and Jack Kerouac and he contribued dialogue for Andy Warhol's films. Jim collaborated with musicians Lou Reed, Blue Öyster Cult, Boz Scaggs, Ray Manzarek of The Doors, Pearl Jam, and Rancid. One of his poems is the source of the phrase "… And Out Come the Wolves" which inspired the album of the same name and also featured his voice.

Our deepest condolences to his friends, family and fans.

Jake Brockman of Echo & the Bunnymen (1956-2009)

Jake Brockman, keyboard player for English post-punk group Echo and the Bunnymen, has died. The 53 year old musician succumbed to injuries from a motorcycle accident on the Isle Of Man this past Tuesday. He reportedly collided with a converted ambulance near Kirk Michael and died in hospital shortly thereafter.

Brockman toured with the Liverpool-based band in the 80s and performed on their 1987 album. He joined the group as a full time member in 1989. His final work with the group will appear on the new album The Fountain next month. The keyboardist was also a member of the dance group BOM with Spiritualized's Damon Reece.

Our deepest condolences go out to to Jake's family and friends.

DJ AM (1973-2009)

Adam Goldstein, popularly known as DJ AM, was found dead in his New York City apartment Friday evening.

The 36-year-old Goldstein was found shirtless and wearing sweatpants with a crackpipe in the near vicinity. While an investigation is still ongoing, Goldstein had apparently been battling drug addiction and depression for some time, though shortly before his death he claimed to have been drug-free "for years."

Goldstein was a close friend and frequent collaborator with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. The two made headlines last year after surviving a plane crash that killed four other people.

Punknews.org sends its condolences to Goldstein's family, friends and fans.

Allen Shellenberger of Lit (1970-2009)

Allen Shellenberger, founding member and longtime drummer of Lit has passed away after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. In 2008, Allen was diagnosed with a malignant glioma brain tumor and immediately underwent clinical trials, chemotherapy and radiation at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute. His treatments were documented in an "ABC World News Tonight" piece that aired in May of that year. His bandmates had this to say:

To know Al was to know laughter. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Words cannot begin to express how much he will be missed. This was our brother and not a day will go by that we won't think about him. Right now we're trying to find the balance of mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Allen has experienced more in his 39 years than most people dream of in 10 lifetimes. This is a tremendous loss for us, our fans and also for Allen's family who took such good care of him during his battle with cancer

Our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Les Paul (1915-2009)

The legendary guitarist and inventor Les Paul has died at the age of 94. According to the Washington Post he died at White Plains Hospital in New York from pneumonia. The innovator was responsible for several creations in music - "the Log" electric guitar in the 30's, his signature Les Paul guitar, multitrack recording, and more.

Les Paul was also an accomplished recorded musician and radio host, his hits including "It's Been A Long, Long Time" with Bing Crosby and "How High the Moon", "Bye Bye Blues", "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise", and "Vaya Con Dios" with his wife Mary Ford.

The staff at Punknews.org sends our condolences to Les Paul's loved ones and our thanks to this musical legend for his impact on the musical world.

Willy DeVille of Mink DeVille (1950-2009)

Singer-songwriter and frontman/founder of punk act Mink DeVille, Willy DeVille has died at 58. DeVille passed from pancreatic cancer at New York's Cabrini Hospital.

The Oscar-nominated DeVille formed Mink DeVille as a showcase for his music, with the act going on to record six full-length albums (four with Willy) and combine elements of rock, punk, R&B, blues, soul, Cajun, Latin and cabaret. The band was also known for its association with the early punk acts at CBGB.

As a solo artist, DeVille recorded and released a number of albums, up until 2008's Pistola.

Our condolences go out to DeVille's family, friends and fans.

Sky Saxon of The Seeds (1937-2009)

Sky Saxon, vocalist and founder of The Seeds, has passed away after a brief illness. Saxon's band was best known for their 1967 hit, "Pushin' Too Hard," and the band's garage sound and Mick Jagger-influenced vocals became very influential, particularly with later punk rock.

"Pushin' Too Hard" was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and the band's music has been covered by Alex Chilton, Johnny Thunders, Ramones, Garbage and Yo La Tengo.

Our condolences to his friends, family and fans.

Samantha Jane Dorsett (Plan-it-X Records)

The dedicated fan community at Plan-It-X Records are reporting that label co-founder Samantha Jane Dorsett has passed away. Details are sparse at this time, but Sam recently suffered a 50-foot fall in Berkeley which resulted in broken bones and extensive spinal injuries. Earlier this year the Plan-It-X community released a benefit tribute to raise money for her recovery.

Dorsett (the "Sam" from the label's slogan "In Sam We Trust") co-founded the Plan-It-X in 1994 with Chris Johnston. She also released music on the label under the name Peanucle. Dorsett was credited as a founder of Boxcar Books and a member of the Long Haul Infoshop.

Our deepest condolences go out to Sam's family and friends.