All articles tagged with #punk rock
Lou Koller, longtime frontman and co-founder of New York hardcore band Sick of It All, died at 59 after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer. The band announced the news on Instagram, praising his energy and camaraderie, and tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians as supporters organized fundraisers to cover his medical expenses ahead of the band's 40th anniversary.
Lou Koller, longtime frontman and co-founder of New York hardcore band Sick of It All, died at 59 after a battle with esophageal cancer. The Queens-born singer, whose band formed in 1986 and released 12 studio albums, had battled cancer since 2024, cancelled a European tour during treatment, and was declared cancer-free in May 2025 before the cancer returned. Tributes from CM Punk, Dropkick Murphys and Lars Frederiksen highlighted his influence on NYHC and his ability to lift fans’ spirits at shows.
Jennifer Finch, the powerhouse bassist of L7 during their 1990s peak, has died at 59 after a long battle with brain cancer, per a band Instagram post. A GoFundMe for in-home nursing care and therapy has raised over $395,000 toward a $350,000 goal. Finch joined L7 in 1986, left in 1996 to get sober and grieve her father, and returned from 2014–2026; she also played in Sugar Babydoll and appeared in John Waters’ Serial Mom. The band’s tribute calls her a true original whose impact on music and art cannot be measured.
Jennifer Finch, the bassist, vocalist and songwriter whose ferocious playing helped power L7's 1990s alt‑punk surge, died at 59 after an aggressive brain cancer. Tributes from L7 praised her fierce spirit and pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound as she battled illness ahead of a farewell tour.
Rolling Stone profiles Steve Albini, the confrontational DIY pioneer who built Electrical Audio in Chicago and shaped decades of rock with a live, no-tricks approach—recording landmark albums from Pixies’ Surfer Rosa to Nirvana—while tracing his evolution from controversial early projects like Big Black and Rapeman to a more reflective, socially engaged figure with Heather Whinna and Letters to Santa; his studio and the tight-knit musical community he fostered continue to influence artists well after his death in 2024.
Robert Lloyd’s review of BritBox’s Riot Women, created by Sally Wainwright, centers on a group of women over 50 who form a rock band to enter a local talent show. What begins as a playful venture grows into a drama-infused comedy about friendship, family, motherhood, misogyny, and aging, anchored by intimate, character-driven performances. The band’s journey serves as the backbone for interwoven stories about each woman’s struggles, with a tone that blends realism and warmth and a preview of more to come in a second season.
Orna Guralnik, a therapist from 'Couples Therapy,' gained unexpected attention for her unique style, which blends abstract geometric shapes with punk rock influences, surprising many who expected more traditional therapist attire.
The Sex Pistols, after 50 years of chaos and band tensions, performed with a new singer, Frank Carter, marking a significant shift from their original lineup and history. The band has been touring internationally, despite disagreements with former frontman John Lydon, who criticizes the current incarnation. The band’s future remains uncertain, with discussions of potential reunions and new music, but deep-seated conflicts and differing visions continue to influence their trajectory.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 features a diverse and curated soundtrack that serves as a superior music discovery tool compared to Spotify, highlighting a mix of punk, hip-hop, and classic tracks that capture skate culture and introduce players to new artists like Jeff Rosenstock, Vince Staples, and Fontaines D.C.
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder attended a Taylor Swift concert with his daughter and was struck by the communal atmosphere and camaraderie among Swift's fans, likening it to the punk rock communities of his youth. He found the experience galvanizing and powerful, reminiscent of being aligned with misfits in his town. Vedder also discussed Pearl Jam's upcoming album, Dark Matter, recorded at the historic Shangri-La studio in Malibu, which held special meaning for him.
"A Year on Earth With Mr. Hell," a memoir by Young Kim chronicling her affair with punk icon Richard Hell, has gained cult status, drawing praise from figures like Nick Hornby and Greil Marcus. The book, which also touches on Kim's relationship with Malcolm McLaren, has been placed in suites at the Standard, High Line hotel in New York. However, Hell himself disapproves of the memoir, labeling it as "revenge porn."
Mojo Nixon, the punk rock musician known for satirical songs like "Elvis Is Everywhere," died at 66 while co-hosting a country music cruise. His death was confirmed by the director of a documentary about him, who stated that Nixon had a "cardiac event" while asleep on the cruise. Known for celebrity spoofs and satirical tirades, Nixon's music combined rockabilly, blues, and R&B with a punk attitude, earning him a following in the roots rock community and college radio. He is survived by his wife, sons, granddaughter, sister, and brother.
Wayne Kramer, co-founder and guitarist of the influential rock band MC5, has passed away at 75 due to pancreatic cancer. Known for their pioneering role in punk rock music, MC5's impact on the rock world continues to resonate. Kramer was also recognized as one of the "100 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine and had a prolific career as a film and television composer. His legacy lives on through his music and the touring "reanimation" of MC5.
Wayne Kramer, the influential guitarist of the MC5, passed away at the age of 75 due to pancreatic cancer. His explosive guitar playing with the Detroit band helped set the stage for punk rock. Kramer and Fred (Sonic) Smith's twin-guitar attack was at the heart of the band's sound, inspiring generations of musicians. After serving time in prison, Kramer returned to performing and established Jail Guitar Doors U.S.A., a nonprofit that donates musical instruments to inmates and offers songwriting workshops in prisons.
Wayne Kramer, co-founder of punk band MC5, passed away at 75. Known for his gruff guitar sound and left-wing socio-political radicalism, Kramer's influence extended beyond music, with his tireless acts of service and advocacy for prison reform. His legacy includes founding @jailguitardoorsusa, which provides music programs in prisons. Kramer's career spanned from the early days with MC5 to a successful solo career, film and television scoring, and social activism, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond.