Lou Koller, the frontman of legendary New York hardcore band Sick of It All, has died at age 59 following a battle with the esophageal most cancers adenocarcinoma.
The hardcore pioneer’s band broke the unhappy information on its social pages on Friday night, posting the next assertion:
“It’s with unbelievable disappointment that we announce to our worldwide hardcore household the passing of our brother Lou Koller. The extent of loss that we really feel right now is overwhelming.
This 12 months would have marked Sick of it All’s fortieth anniversary as a band, and Lou’s camaraderie, dedication and enthusiasm had been at all times steadfast all through the years. Now we have misplaced a beloved buddy and an iconic frontman. Lou had the facility to boost everybody’s spirits at our reveals with a smile and a sarcastic remark, and he gained folks over wherever we performed, from each tradition and each nook of the world.
Presently of intense grief, we should once more acknowledge the nice assist and help provided by everybody who donated to Lou’s medical fund. You all helped Lou really feel very particular and really beloved as he battled away these final two years. His battle is over now and he can lastly relaxation. Hopefully he can one way or the other nonetheless see and really feel the gorgeous, constructive mark he left on the world.”
Koller first revealed that medical doctors discovered a tumor in his esophagus in June 2024, however roughly a 12 months later he reported that he was cancer-free following chemotherapy therapies. Sadly, a number of months after that he revealed that the most cancers had returned.
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Lou fashioned Sick of It All in 1986 in Queens, New York, along with his brother Pete Koller on guitar. The longtime lineup of the Koller brothers, drummer Armand Majidi, and bassist Craig Setari had remained energetic till Koller’s passing.
Throughout their 40-year profession, Sick of It All launched 12 albums, with 2018’s Wake the Sleeping Dragon! being their most up-to-date LP.
Sick of It All’s model of New York Metropolis hardcore influenced numerous bands, together with Refused, Hatebreed, Rise In opposition to, and extra.
Within the feedback part of Sick of It All’s Instagram publish, a number of music acts have paid tribute, together with Metallica, who merely left a coronary heart emoji, and Slayer/Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, who wrote, “I’m so sorry on your loss, for everybody. He was at all times the best and a complete legend.”
Pennywise singer Jim Lindberg commented, “The most effective to do it, and an actual good human. Devastated on your loss, for the household, for all of us. I can keep in mind enjoying reveals with you guys and listening to the energy in his voice and considering, ‘How am I alleged to observe that?!!” Many Bro Hymns will exit to Lou now. Relaxation simple brother and like to all.”
Our condolences exit to Lou Koller’s household, associates, and bandmates throughout this tough time. Revisit Sick of It All’s hardcore anthem “Step Down” within the video under.