In Memoriam November 24, 2025

Jimmy Cliff has passed away

Sadly, reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has passed away. He was 81. Cliff's family issued a statement:

"It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love. I also wanted to thank Dr. Couceyro and the whole medical staff, as they have been extremely supportive and helpful during this difficult process. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date.
See you and we see you Legend.
Latifa , Lilty and Aken
"

You can check out just some of Cliff's many, many contributions below.

In Memoriam 9 weeks ago

Soo Catwoman has passed away

Model, actor, and punk icon Soo Catwoman, aka Susan Lucas, has passed away. She passed away on September 30 at the age of 70. Her children, Shem and Dion October Lucas announced her passing in a statement that reads in part,

”She recently fell ill and was taken to hospital, and shortly after fell into a coma, which she sadly never awoke from, she passed away on Tuesday 30th of September 2025 at 3:56am, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
We are utterly devastated by her loss, it came very quickly and unexpectedly.
She was a very kind and caring individual who helped and cared for countless people during her time on this earth, she was a champion of the underdog, and always gave to people in need whenever she could.
She was also a highly influential and inspirational figure, whose image has loomed large in the public consciousness for the past 49 years. She pushed forward the frontiers of fashion with her handmade clothing accessories, her striking make up and of course her signature ‘Soo Catwoman’ hairstyle. She remains a huge inspiration in the worlds of music, art and fashion, her image is timeless and as striking today as it was in 1976.
Soo lived her private life in silent dignity, because of this she never sought to capitalize on her fame and lived a simple life. Choosing to raise her children instead of seeking fame and fortune.”

Dion October Lucas also released a statement on Instagram which reads,

"Sadly the rumors are true, it feels just like a bad dream, the kind I would rush to grab my phone, so I could write or call to tell my mum, she always told me if you have a bad dream and you share it then it won’t come true.
I’m absolutely devastated to lose her, I wish I could hold her and breathe her in, exist in her breath, or better still curl up like a cat in her lap and have her magic hands soothe my broken heart, I am lucky to have been on time at least to spend many hours by her side in the week before she passed, I am blessed to have had her and I will be forever permanently changed by her passing."

Soo Catwoman also recorded a cover of “Backstabbers” by The O’Jays which featured Derwwod Andrews of Generation X on guitar and Rat Scabies of The Damne on drums. She also sang backing vocals on The Invaders' 1980 album Test Card and sang lead vocals on “Backseat Romeo”. We send our condolences to Soo Catwoman’s family, friends, and fans.

In Memoriam 11 weeks ago

Tomas Lindberg of At The Gates has passed away

Tomas Lindberg, frontman of At The Gates, has passed away. He was 52 years old and had been battling adenoid cystic carcinoma, a form of oral cancer, for a year and a half. His passing was confirmed by his family on the Swedish news outlet SVT Nyheter. David Isberg of Opeth released a statement on Instagram that reads,

”Tomas "Goatspell" Lindberg 10-16-1972 -09-16-2025
"It is cold out here
Ans lonely is my journey
I walk the trail of broken souls
The darkest path through infinity”

Tomas Lindberg also played in Grotesque, Triple Crown Records, Lock Up, Skitsystem, Disfear, and The Great Deceiver. We send our condolences to Tomas Lindberg’s family, friends, and fans.

In Memoriam 13 weeks ago

Bruce Loose of Flipper has passed away

Sadly, Bruce Loose of Flipper has passed away. Bruce passed earlier this week after having health issues for the past few years. As you likely know, Bruce was a founding member of the seminal band, handling vocals and bass until 2015, when he voluntarily withdrew from the band. We send our condolences to Bruce family, friends, and fans.

In Memoriam 15 weeks ago

Brent Hinds, formerly of Mastodon, killed in Motorcycle accident

Late last night, Brent Hinds, formerly of Mastodon, was killed in a motorcycle accident. According to Police reports, he was riding his Harley around 11:30pm in Atlanta when a BMW SUV failed to yield while making a turn at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard. The Fulton County medical examiner’s office confirmed his death.

Hinds split from Mastodon in March. while the band stated that the split was mutual, Hinds would post on social media that he was kicked out of the band. The band stated in an instagram post: "We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. RIP Brent."

In Memoriam 19 weeks ago

Ozzy Osborne has passed away

Just weeks after his final performance (solo and with Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away. He was 76. Osbourne's family released a brief statement: "“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.” We send our condolences to Ozzy's family, friends, and fans. We will update you if more information is released.

In Memoriam 20 weeks ago

Bill Chamberlain of the Pist and Dissidents has passed away

Quite sadly, Bill Chamberlain of The Pist, The Dissidents, Mankind, and many other bands. His family stated that he passed away after a brief illness. For a number of years, Bill also ran Wild Mutation Records in Philadelphia. He was a really nice guy. We send our condolences to Bill's family, friends, and fans.

In Memoriam 25 weeks ago

Brian Wilson has passed away

Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, has passed away. He was 82 years old. His family announced his passing on Instagram in a statement that reads,

”We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.
We are at a loss for words right now.
Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.
We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.
Love & Mercy"

We send our condolences to Brian Wilson’s family, friends, and fans.

In Memoriam 25 weeks ago

Sly Stone has passed away

Sly Stone, funk singer, songwriter, producer, and bandleader of Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away. He was 82 years old. He passed away following “a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues” on June 9, 2025 according to a statement released by his family. The statement reads,

”It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.
Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.
We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly’s life and his iconic music.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.”

Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Sly Stone’s final album I’m Back! Family and Friends was released in 2011 and he released his memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) in 2024. We send our condolences to Sly Stone’s family, friends, and fans.

In Memoriam 26 weeks ago

Colin of Conflict has passed away

Sadly, and shockingly, Colin Jerwood of Conflict has passed away. The band issued a short statement: "It is with a very heavy heart to announce Colin passed away after a short illness. We know for his supporters that this is difficult news to hear."

Just recently, the band released This much remains. We send our condolences to Colin's family, friends, and fans.

In Memoriam 32 weeks ago

Jamie McMann has passed away

Sadly, Engineer and producer Jamie McMann has passed away. McMann worked on records by bands including Nofx, Swingin' Utters, Tony Sly, Joey Cape, Leftover Crack, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and a bunch more. You can see a statement by Fat Mike below.

In Memoriam 33 weeks ago

Joey Rimicci of Jughead's Revenge has passed away

Sadly, Joey Rimicci of Jughead's Revenge passed away on April 10. Rimicci had suffered a stroke and passed away at a hospital near his home. You can see the band's statement below.

In Memoriam 34 weeks ago

Reggae icon Max Romeo has passed away

Sadly, reggae legend Max Romeo has passed away. Romeo was 80 and passed away due to heart complications in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica, on Friday. As you know, Romeo is an incredibly important figure in Jamaican music, having recorded a number of hits in the '60s, before moving on to Roots reggae in the '70s. One of his most seminal works is War inna Babylon recorded with Lee Scratch Perry, which includes the song "Chase the devil." You can hear just some of Romeo's tunes below.

In Memoriam 34 weeks ago

Dave Allen of Gang of Four has passed away

Sadly, Dave Allen of Gang of Four has passed away. He was 69 and had been suffering from dementia. Allen was a Gang of Four founder and was in the band from 1977-1981 and 2004-2008. After playing in Gang of Four's original run, Allen formed Shriekback. We send our condolences to Allen's family.

In Memoriam 35 weeks ago

Clem Burke of Blondie has passed away

Sadly, legendary drummer Clem Burke has passed away. He was 70 and passed away after a battle with cancer. Burke was a founder of the band Blondie and also played with bands including Iggy Pop, Hugh Cornwell, Walter Lure, Ramones, the Melvins, and many more.

You can see Blondie's statement below. Punknews sends condolences to Burke's family.

In Memoriam 39 weeks ago

Brian James of the Damned has passed away

Sadly, Brian James, founding member of The Damned has passed away. He was 70. He died at his home with his family present.

James' family issued a statement:

"GOODBYE TO A PIONEER & TRUE GENTLEMAN It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of the true pioneers of music, guitarist, songwriter, and true gentleman, Brian James.

Founding member of The Damned, writer of the first ever UK punk single, New Rose, Brian was the principal songwriter of the band’s debut album, Damned Damned Damned, which was released in February 1977. Parting ways with the Damned following the release of their second album, the Nick Mason-produced Music for Pleasure, Brian created the short-lived Tanz Der Youth, before he formed The Lords of the New Church with his friend and fellow rocker Stiv Bators.

In a wave of excitement, headed by the twin powers of Brian James and Stiv Bators, three successful studio albums followed for The Lord of the New Church, spawning singles such as Open Your Eyes, Dance with Me, and Method to My Madness. Always looking for new challenges and keen to work with different musicians, over the years that followed, Brian formed The Dripping Lips and guested on different records, while creating the Brian James Gang and working on his solo albums.

Incessantly creative and a musical tour de force, over a career which spanned more than six decades, with his music also gracing film and television soundtracks, in addition to The Damned and The Lords of the New Church, Brian worked with a plethora of punk and rock ‘n’ roll’s finest, from Iggy Pop to Wayne Kramer, Stewart Copeland to Cheetah Chrome. Most recently, more than four decades after the release of the epoch-making New Rose, the original members of The Damned reformed for a series of very special and emotional UK shows in 2022.

With his wife Minna, son Charlie, and daughter-in-law Alicia by his side, Brian passed peacefully on Thursday 6 th March 2025.