Eric Stevenson (formerly in Only Living Witness) Loses Battle to Cancer

It is with great sadness that we inform you that the Heavy Music world lost another warrior to cancer. Eric Stevenson, former drummer of the Massachusetts-based band Only Living Witness, passed away on Monday (August 8th) after losing a five month battle with melanoma (a type of skin cancer). He was only 46 years old, and he leaves behind a six year old son. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, fans and band-mates.

Eric Stevenson founded Only Living Witness, whom with he recorded two studio albums titled "Prone Mortal Form" (1993) and "Innocents" (1996). Both records were released via Century Media, this is what the label had to say about the passing of Stevenson:

"Our condolences go out to Eric Stevenson's family and friends. ONLY LIVING WITNESS was a great part of our history and we are deeply saddened to hear the news of our friend passing at such a young age." - Century Media

Only Living Witness was a huge influence on bands like Shadow's Fall and Overcast, this is what Brian Fair (vocalist) had to say about this tragic loss:

"Incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Eric Stevenson of the mighty ONLY LIVING WITNESS. Your music will live on forever. RIP." Brian Fair (Shadow's Fall & Overcast) via Twitter

This is what Nonpoint drummer Robb Rivera wrote on his Facebook page:

"Saddened to hear that one of my main influences Eric Stevenson has passed away. Eric was the drummer of Boston's mightiest band ONLY LIVING WITNESS. Those who know me well know how much that band and his drumming touched my life. From the early '90s when I heard their first four-song demo to their last album, 'Innocents'. To me he was the modern-day Bill Ward. Those flam hits are legendary and will be sorely missed. Rip in peace, Eric."



Related links:
Only Living Witness on MySpace