Bill Rieflin, the prolific drummer best known for his work with Ministry and R.E.M, has passed away. He was 59.

Rieflin cut his teeth in the ’70s and early ’80s Seattle scene, with bands like The Telepaths and The Blackouts. He, alongside a few members of The Blackouts, were recruited by Al Jourgenson to join Ministry. In 2003 he joined R.E.M. as a touring member, playing with them live until their breakup in 2011. In 2013, Rieflin joined prog-act King Crimson as one of their three touring drummers.

Regarded as one of the pioneering and most well-respected Industrial drummers, Rieflin was also a master multi-instrumentalist who played piano, guitar and bass.

“Drums were never my first choice as an instrument,” he revealed in an interview with NPR in 2011, “but that’s what was needed in the neighbourhood bands.”

Rieflin boasts an incredible resume; playing on songs and records for acts like Nine Inch Nails, Chris Cornell, Swans, Pigface, and many more.

News of Rieflin’s passing was confirmed by King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, who, in a Facebook post, shared, “A call from Tracy Rieflin in Seattle … Tracy told Toyah 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.”

The music industry has been profoundly affected by his passing, with tributes to the late musician pouring out on Twitter.

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“So sorry to hear of Bill Rieflin passing away,” shared Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic. “Straight up person and excellent musician.”

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

“Today we lost a wonderful artist, tremendous human being and an integral part of Ministry’s developments and success…,” Ministry shared in a statement. “Safe travels my brother on the way to your next universal gig.”

Death Cab for Cutie’s Dave Depper remembered him as “one of the wisest, kindest, funniest, grumpiest, most talented humans that has ever graced the earth.”

https://twitter.com/davedepper/status/1242586346260062208

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