Death has struck the metal world once again and we are saddened to report Manilla Road founding guitarist/vocalist Mark “The Shark” Shelton has passed away at 60. A gofundme page has been created to help pay for medical and funeral expenses. We do not know the details about his death. The group’s lead vocalist Bryan Patrick confirmed the news via Facebook, stating:
“July 27th 2018
I’m very sorry to announce today that my long time brother and Best Friend since 1981 has passed through the Halls of Valhalla.
Mark W. Shelton may you Rest In Peace!
There will be more information within the next couple of days. There will be a GO FUND ME page setup in order to get Mark back home to his family.
My heart is shattered. Please take time today to love your loved ones and hold them close.”
Shelton was the only original member remaining as he’s been there since 1977. His work from 1980’s Invasion up until 2017’s To Kill a King will remain timeless. Manilla Road had a show last night (26th) in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany and were scheduled to perform in Retorbido, Italy tomorrow (28th). Hopefully, we will find out what happened. Our thoughts go out to Shelton’s friends, bandmates, and family during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Mark “the Shark” Shelton of Manilla Road. One of metal’s elder statesmen.
— Steel Druhm (@SteelDruhm) July 27, 2018
There was no band like Manilla Road, and there was no metal warrior/guitar god quite like Mark “THE SHARK” Shelton. Up all the goddamn hammers today, friends. https://t.co/kZdevI6Sns
— Last Rites (@YourLastRites) July 27, 2018
Rest in Peace, Mark “The Shark” Shelton. Your legacy will live forever in our hearts!
Today we pay tribute to his influence in the fantastic realms of metal music with some mighty… https://t.co/zKHtU8P6F5
— Eivert Atencio (@linkleonhart) July 27, 2018
Some outlets are reporting Mark “The Shark” Shelton has passed away after playing a set with Manilla Road in Germany. If this is true, it’s terrible news. Love Manilla Road. I have my Psycho Las Vegas shirt as a proud memory. Now I have to jam Open the Gates in tribute.
— Chris Petry (@ChrisPetry89) July 27, 2018
I’m going on break and just finding out that Mark “The Shark” Shelton of Manilla Road has passed away. Manilla Road was one of the first handful of bands to introduce me to metal beyond the mainstream
— Chris Gable (@Evil_Carrot) July 27, 2018
Shitty news to wake up to. The Shark has died. Anyone who has ever met Mark Shelton was most likely greeted with a smile. If you met him more than once, you were called by your name,… https://t.co/PcRUXP8pzY
— sean w (@SeanicusRexx) July 27, 2018
