Narnack Records has reported in with this sad news:

It's with deep and saddest regret to announce this latest Guitar Wolf news. Last night (3/30) Billy, aka Bass Wolf, passed away of natural causes. He was 38.

The band had just returned from their month-long US tour, and fortunately Billy did get to spend time with his wife and children before checking into the hospital. He died in his sleep sometime during the night.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and Guitar Wolf members Seiji and Toru.

The Japanese three piece, which formed in 1987, most recently released Loverock in 2004. Our deepest condolences go out to Billy's friends and family.