Lou Koller, the frontman of legendary New York hardcore band Sick of It All, has died at age 59 following a battle with the esophageal cancer adenocarcinoma.
The hardcore pioneer’s band broke the sad news on its social pages on Friday evening, posting the following statement:
“It’s with unbelievable sadness that we announce to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller. The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming.
This year would have marked Sick of it All’s 40th anniversary as a band, and Lou’s camaraderie, commitment and enthusiasm were always steadfast throughout the years. 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.
At this time of intense grief, we must again acknowledge the great help and support offered by everyone who donated to Lou’s medical fund. You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he battled away these last two years. His battle is over now and he can finally rest. Hopefully he can somehow still see and feel the beautiful, positive mark he left on the world.”
Koller first revealed that doctors found a tumor in his esophagus in June 2024, but roughly a year later he reported that he was cancer-free following chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, a few months after that he revealed that the cancer had returned.
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Lou formed Sick of It All in 1986 in Queens, New York, with his brother Pete Koller on guitar. The longtime lineup of the Koller brothers, drummer Armand Majidi, and bassist Craig Setari had remained active until Koller’s passing.
During their 40-year career, Sick of It All released 12 albums, with 2018’s Wake the Sleeping Dragon! being their most recent LP.
Sick of It All’s brand of New York City hardcore influenced countless bands, including Refused, Hatebreed, Rise Against, and more.
In the comments section of Sick of It All’s Instagram post, several music acts have paid tribute, including Metallica, who simply left a heart emoji, and Slayer/Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, who wrote, “I am so sorry for your loss, for everyone. He was always the coolest and a total legend.”
Pennywise singer Jim Lindberg commented, “The best to do it, and a real good human. Devastated for your loss, for the family, for all of us. I can remember playing shows with you guys and hearing the strength in his voice and thinking, ‘How am I supposed to follow that?!!” Many Bro Hymns will go out to Lou now. Rest easy brother and love to all.”
Our condolences go out to Lou Koller’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit Sick of It All’s hardcore anthem “Step Down” in the video below.
