Eric Wagner, vocalist for for Illinois doom pioneers, Trouble, has passed away after being admitted to the hospital last week with COVID pneumonia.
In a Facebook post Wagner’s son, Luke confirmed the worst:
“Hey all this is Luke Wagner his oldest son. Eric Wagner has passed away.”
Best known for pioneering a style of heavy metal known as doom metal, Trouble has been active since 1979 borrowing influence from Black Sabbath and Judas Priest developing a style that has grown over the years to become a mainstay genre in modern metal music. Wagner fronted Trouble for most of the bands existence until leaving the band in 2008 to pursue other musical ventures. Wagner was 62 years old.
Gutted to hear about Eric Wagner, those first few Trouble albums were the soundtrack to pretty much all of our teenage years. RIP
— (@NickHolmesPL) August 23, 2021
Rest In Power, Eric Wagner.
— Prosthetic Records (@ProstheticRcds) August 23, 2021
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of legendary vocalist Eric Wagner. As fans of his work since the ‘80s it was an honor when Trouble took Icarus Witch on the road for our first tour ever. Condolences to his family, bandmates, and loved ones. #RIPEricWagner pic.twitter.com/yIQuUTfr8k
— Icarus Witch (@IcarusWitch) August 23, 2021
RIP ERIC WAGNER. Had the pleasure of collaborating w/ Eric years ago via the PROBOT project.
Eric was a mellow,great dude. Trouble was one of the most influential bands in heavy music EVER.
Probot – My Tortured Soul (Live 2004) https://t.co/2q7KymfYnz via @YouTube @foofighters— Southern Lord (@TwatterLord) August 23, 2021
And thank you to JJ & the Obelisk for this thoughtful remembrance https://t.co/phlxOnpTJN
— saint vitus (@saintvitusbar) August 23, 2021
Our thoughts go out to Wagner’s family and friends during this difficult time.
