Allen Blickle, from the original lineup of the metal band Baroness, has died at the age of 42.
The news was announced by Baroness frontman John Baizley in a statement on social media, as he revealed to fans he died a ‘few days ago’.
‘It breaks my heart to have to share the news that my dear friend, creative partner and former bandmate Allen Blickle passed away a few days ago.
‘I’m still in shock that he’s gone. We ask for understanding as his family and this band process his passing and grieve his loss. Allen, I love you and miss you. I treasure every moment we shared.’
The band originally comprised of Blickle on drums, Baizley as guitarist and vocalist, Tim Loose on guitar and Summer Welch on bass.
Blickle was in the band for 10 years from 2003 until 2013, with Sebastian Thomson taking over as the band’s drummer.
The star’s cause of death has not been announced at this time.
While in the band, Blickle released three albums. Their 2007 debut Red Album, 2009’s Blue Record, and 2012’s Yellow & Green.
In 2012, the band was involved in a car accident as their tour bus plunged off a viaduct and fell 30 feet due to heavy rain.
Blickle was hospitalised for two weeks with a fractured vertebra in his back, and he left the band the next year, as did bassist Matt Maggioni.
‘I still have physical pain from day to day. Sitting is hard for more than 20 minutes at a time. Staying in motion is key—being active in the right way. I’ve re-injured my back a number of times already and have had to go back to physical therapy to get back on track. The accident was much more to me than just a near-death experience,’ Blickle told The Fader in 2013, the year after the accident.
‘It made me rethink a lot in my life and has been the most difficult time I’ve been through thus far. It was a horrible memory, but I’m trying not to let it define me or stop me from doing what I love. Let it be and keep moving.’
After leaving the band, Blickle worked as a drummer with Romantic Dividends, A Place to Bury Strangers and Alpaca.
He was also known as a sound design artist and composer for TV and film, working on Netflix’s 2020 series We Are The Champions.
Laura Pleasants, of the Georgia metal band Kylesa, paid tribute to the late star in an emotional tribute, suggesting he had a long-term illness.
‘Dear Allen… I was so heartbroken when talking w Joe and Summer the other day; finding out how the past month was. I am just gutted, dude. We all thought you had this thing beat.
‘F**k, we were supposed to hang out when i got back from tour 💔 I feel so lucky to have reconnected with you after moving to LA a few years ago. Spending time w you out here, playing music, going to shows, hanging at a pool party, rocking the Hell out to FEAR… getting to know you on a deeper lever was a real privilege. You were a REAL one! So talented, so rad.
‘Gone too soon my friend. I’m glad you are at peace and no longer in pain.
Much love to you. RIP Allen Blickle ♥️ @ill.pickles’
Richey Beckett added: ‘Noooo 💔 I was thinking of Allen yesterday. That time we all hung out at the show in LA was so special! One of my favourite times. Then we went to the Botch show together next time I was in town. Man what a loss, he was a glowing light of a human. 🖤🖤🖤’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Stuart Craig, Oscar-winner who worked on Harry Potter, dies aged 83
MORE: Supertramp legend Rick Davies dies aged 81 ‘after long illness’
MORE: 60s rock band guitarist Mark Volman dies aged 78 after ‘unexpected illness’