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Rock star dies aged 59 as band forced to make 'unbelievably sad' statement

A punk rock singer has tragically died aged 59 after a battle with cancer and his band have now issued a heartbreaking statement paying tribute to their beloved friend

[Sick Of It All Perform At Brudenell Social Club In Leeds]

The punk rock singer has died after a long health battle(Image: Getty)

Lou Koller, the lead singer of Sick of It All, has tragically passed away at 59 after a battle with oesophageal cancer. The band shared the devastating news in an emotional statement: "It's with unbelievable sadness that we announce to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller."

The band added that 2026 would have marked their 40th anniversary before continuing: "We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman. Lou had the power to raise everyone's spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over wherever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world."

The band also thanked those who contributed to his medical fund and said he can now "finally rest". Koller first shared his cancer diagnosis in 2024 when doctors found tumours in his oesophagus.

[Sick Of It All Concert]

Lou Koller has died aged 59(Image: Getty)

Sick of It All were forced to cancel their European tour as Koller underwent treatment. He was declared cancer-free following a successful round of chemotherapy but sadly the disease returned just months later, reports the Express.

Formed in Queens, New York, in 1986, Sick of It All was centred around Koller and his brother Pete, the band's guitarist. With David Lamb on drums, the group went on to become one of the most influential bands in hardcore punk.

Their debut album Blood, Sweat and Tears was released in 1989. Over the next four decades, Sick of It All gained a loyal fanbase and released 12 studio albums.

Tributes have poured in for Koller as German punk rock group The Donots said: "There are no words. Yo Lou, I hope that somehow and somewhere you'll know how many lives you have touched and changed forever. Such an inspiration. Thanks for being one of the most solid parts of our upbringing. Rest easy, legend."

Irish-American Celtic punk group Dropkick Murphys said: "All our love to the SOIA family and especially the Koller family. Rest In Peace Lou we are so glad to have shared many great memories with you. Always a class act and gentleman. Gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN."

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