Jeff Hanneman Passes Away At The Age Of 49

We have some terrible breaking news: Slayer guitarist and founding member Jeff Hanneman died earlier today of liver failure. He was 49.

The band's longtime publicist issued the following statement today:

"Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. He was 49. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed."

Hanneman co-founded the thrash metal greats with Kerry King in 1981; their breakthrough came in 1986 with the landmark album "Reign in Blood." Hanneman wrote or co-wrote the set's standout tracks, "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood."

Our condolences go out to Jeff's family, friends and the Slayer camp! Rock in Peace, Jeff!

MC5's Michael Davis Dead At 68 - Rock In Peace!

Yesterday (February 18), it was announced that Michael Davis, the legendary bassist of MC5, passed away this past Friday, February 16, of live failure at the age of 68. Davis died at the Enloe Medical Center in Chico, California after receiving a month-long treatment for liver disease. He is survived by his wife, Angela Davis, as well as three sons and a daughter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his friends, his band mates, and his fans!

In 1964, while studying fine art in Michigan, Michael Davis was recruited by Detroit's own MC5. Without thinking twice, Davis quit school and joined MC5! MC5 political fueled music was heavily influenced by poet John Sinclair, whose affiliation with the White Panther Party (a radical-leftist anti-racist group) inspired the band’s political energies. The bands first album entitled 'Kick Out the Jams' was released via Elektra Records in 1969.

In 1972, MC5 called it a day and as a result Davis joined Ron Asheton (The Stooges) on the band Destroy All Monsters. In 2004, he rejoined forces with MC5 for a legendary tour. Additionally, Davis co-founded the non-profit "Music is Revolution Foundation", which supports music education in public schools.



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