Dirt Hooligan of Skif Dank / Crizzy: 1974-2003

Dirt Hooligan (Derek Dank-kopetska) was killed on July 3rd at 11pm in Land O'Lakes, Florida. He was crossing State Road 19 when he was hit by a car.

Hooligan was living in Tampa and playing with his band Crizzy And The Punx. He was also the bassist in Skif Dank.A tribute show is taking place on Thursday, July 17 at at the Neptune Lounge in Tarpon Springs, FL. Members of Crizzy posted these words:

"He was an AMAZING bass player, and an amazingly mis-understood human. Full of Love and Laughter….he was a hard person to meet just once and forget. There is no way to calculate the pain and shock that is now cast over his friends, family and loved ones… If nothing more can be learned from this tragedy, at least realize how precious and fragile life is, and how it can all be taken away in a second, with no notice. Tell the ones you love that you love them, and always watch your step… Dirt had a thousand years ahead of him…strong enough to take on the world."

Barry White: 1945-2003

us that the music community is in mourning today as R&B singer Barry White has died at the age of 58. The singer is known for his deep and seductive vocals on soulful hits like "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love." White had been in the hospital for months after suffering a kidney failure.

Jeremy Ward of The Mars Volta: 1976-2003

us with this from Gold Standard Labs:

"We are very saddened to announce that our dear friend Jeremy Michael Ward of THE MARS VOLTA and DE FACTO passed away from an apparent drug overdose at his home in Los Angeles on May 25, 2003. He was 27 years old. He and the rest of The Mars Volta had only just returned to L.A. for a week of rest between legs of their support tour with RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. No further information is currently available."

Venusian Skyline singer/guitarist Alan Martin

Alan Martin, singer and songwriter of Venusian Skyline, has passed away. Undecided Records put out this message on their website "It is with deep regret that I have to inform you all that we have lost one of the great people in our music community. Alan Martin. Alan was both singer and songwriter with his brother Scott for Venusian Skyline. Not only have we lost a great musician, we have lost a great friend. There is a tremendous void in our collective hearts left by his absence. Ultimately, no matter what I write here or what I say nothing will make us feel any better about this. Today, the world is not a better place. We are alone. Really there are no words."

Punknews.Org would like to wish our condolences to the Alan's family and friends.

Mr. Rogers: 1929-2003

"Fred Rogers, the staple of young children's television for over 35 years, died today in his home. His land of make believe was ever popular, and he also invited everyone in his home with a smile. He will be forever missed. 1929-2003."
You all might bitch about this being on here, but it was submitted quite a few times to our news section, so a lot of you seem to care. Our condolences go out to his family.

Dr. Bob of The Vindictives: 1954-2003

Taken straight from LookoutRecords.com:
"On Saturday February 22, 2003 the VINDICTIVES lost founding member Robert "DR. Bob" Nielsen to a heroin overdose at appoximately 8 am. He is survived by his son Matt and wife Paula. He was 49 years old."
We here at Punknews.org pass on our condolences, and hope that maybe this might wise people up to the fact that drugs *aren't* good, and when you do them people don't think that you're cool.

Joe Strummer: 1952-2002

Joe Strummer, frontman and main songwriter with The Clash and current leader of the Mescaleros died on Sunday, December 22 from a suspected heart-attack at his home in Broomfield, West Somerset. Strummer was 50.

Joe's official website announced his death on Monday with "Joe Strummer died yesterday. Our condolences to Luce and the kids, family and friends." Thanks to all our readers who showed concern and sent this in. Strummer was one of my favorite voices in music and spoke to me through two of my favorite bands. This is a sad day.

Click below for an obituary that ran in CNN this morning.
More… Desson Howe, one of Joe's friends from high school, wrote a bittersweet memorial which is definitely worth a look.

Veteran New Jersey punker Paul Decolator

us that Paul Decolator, who was instrumental to New Jersey's punk scene in the 80s, passed away on Wednesday November 13. Paul was in the band New Jersey's Finest in the early eighties (members of which  went on to form Niblick Henbane). Paul also played guitar in Pleased Youth, who reunited last year and played shows with longtime friends Adrenalin OD. Decolator ran the popular fanzine "Tips and Tours" and booked shows throughout the 80s for bands like Youth Brigade, Government Issue and 76% Uncertain. Later, Decolator played short stints in New Brunswick's Loose, The Nils and GG Allin. He recently worked as a music journalist for the North Jersey music paper The Aquarian. Paul's wicked sense of humor can be summed up in an often-repeated story of when the Rahway, New Jersey Police raided a Youth Brigade show he had booked at an illegal venue: when they finished climbing up the long stairway and knocked on the door of the building, Paul calmly opened the door and told them "That'll be six dollars each." His family has requested that friends make donations to Paul's favorite radio station WFMU.

Raw Power guitarist Giuseppe Codeluppi: 1957-2002

us that Giuseppe Codeluppi, guitarist of Italian hardcore band Raw Power, has died. Codeluppi reportedly had a heart attack while playing soccer with his friends in Parama, Italy. He was 45 years old.  Raw Power were one of the first non-English European punk bands to make their mark by touring the USA during the 80s and 90s. The band was formed in 1981 by brothers Mauro and Giuseppe Codeluppi, the two remained the only long-term members. Letters of support and condolences can be sent to Mauro Codeluppi at here. Everyone here at Punknews.Org would like to wish our condolences to Giuseppe's friends and family.

Henry Knowles of Agression: 1958-2002

"The entire Nardcore scene, and many others, are mourning the loss of Henry Knowles, guitarist of the Nardcore band, Agression. Henry passed away this morning at 2:00 a.m. due to complications from leukemia and hepatitis C. Henry will be missed by many. He fought hard until the very end. Several memorial gigs and benefits will be happening soon. more will be posted soon." RIP, our brother We will try to keep you posted on any of the memorial shows coming up. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Henry Knowles.