Photo: Nathaniel Shannon
According to multiple reports, Eyehategod drummer Joey LaCaze died yesterday. While no official statement has been released by the band yet, musicians and friends of his are weighing in, with one friend saying that the cause of death was cancer. Having just wrapped up a month of European dates in support of their 25th anniversary, the band had been scheduled to play a handful of US dates, including the inaugural Housecore Horror and Film Festival in October. LaCaze, who was 42, leaves behind a wife and child.
Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe posted a picture with LaCaze and himself on his Instagram account, saying “Rest in peace, Joey Lacaze, drummer of Eyehategod, who died this afternoon down in Louisiana. Joey posted this picture (probably from ’94 or ’95) a few months ago- Eyehategod used to stay with me when they were in RVA- they were amazing to watch, & will always be one of my favorite bands of all time- we became friends & I would always throw it down for them when they came to stay. Joey is all the way to the left in the picture, next to Bower. He was a funny, funny, man & I’m so sorry he’s gone. I hope you are at peace, bro.”
Eyehategod got their start in 1988, releasing four albums, including the sludge metal classics Dopesick and Take as Needed for Pain. They were reportedly working on new music, and had released a new song several years ago. We’ll continue to being you updates on this sad story as news filters in.
