Bill Rieflin, King Crimson, R.E.M Drummer Passed Away At 59

via @Bốn Vũ | Youtube

Bill Rieflin, the drummer of R.E.M., Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, and King Crimson passed away at the age of 59.

It was confirmed by his friend and former bandmate, King Crimson founder Robert Fripp. He explained in a social media post that Rieflin’s wife, Tracy, called him with the news.

“Tracy told Toyah (Fripp’s wife) and me that the day was grey, and as Bill flew away the clouds opened, and the skies were blue for about fifteen minutes. Fly well, Brother Bill! My life is immeasurably richer for knowing you.”

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3388835257799147&set=a.584632631552771&type=3

 

Rieflin’s musical journey started in his hometown of Seattle, where he managed to play with a variety of local acts such as the Blackouts. The band’s final EP was produced by Ministry’s Al Jourgensen, whom Rieflin became a close friend.

Rieflin’s official cause of death has not yet been announced, but session drummer Matt Chamberlain tweeted that Rieflin’s cause of death was due to cancer. Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic also paid tribute to Rieflin via Twitter.

https://twitter.com/unicorntacodog/status/1242582965013450752

https://twitter.com/KristNovoselic/status/1242575432471306240