Baroness have announced the death of their former drummer Allen Blickle, with frontman John Baizley paying tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator.
“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,” Baizley wrote. “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.”
News of Blickle‘s death began circulating over the weekend via various tributes, but was not explicitly confirmed by the band until now.
Blickle was part of Baroness‘ original lineup, forming the Savannah, Georgia band alongside Baizley in the early 2000s. His drumming powered their debut Red Album in 2007 and its 2009 follow-up Blue Record, both of which cemented Baroness as one of the most inventive voices in modern heavy music – bridging sludge, progressive rock, and soaring melody.
In 2012, Blickle was behind the kit for the band’s double opus Yellow & Green, an ambitious record that broadened Baroness‘ sonic horizons and earned widespread critical acclaim. But tragedy struck later that year, when the band’s tour bus crashed near Bath, England. Several members sustained serious injuries, and Blickle – along with bassist Matt Maggioni – would ultimately part ways with the group in the aftermath.
Though his time in Baroness ended more than a decade ago, Blickle‘s contributions remain integral to the band’s DNA. His thunderous yet dynamic style laid the foundation for Baroness‘ rise from DIY underground heroes to Grammy-nominated torchbearers of modern metal.
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