Allen Blickle, the original drummer for Grammy-nominated sludge metal band Baroness, has died at the age of 42.
The musician’s passing was confirmed by Baroness frontman John Baizley, who shared the devastating news in an emotional statement (as per Rolling Stone).
“It breaks my heart to have to share the news that my dear friend, creative partner and former bandmate Allen Blickle passed away a few days ago,” Baizley said. “I’m still in shock that he’s gone. We ask for understanding as his family and this band process his passing and grieve his loss. Allen, I love you and miss you. I treasure every moment we shared.”
The cause of Allen Blickle’s death has not been disclosed. However, Laura Pleasants from Georgia metal band Kylesa suggested in her Instagram tribute that he had been battling health issues, writing: “we all thought you had this thing beat. Fuck, we were supposed to hang out when i got back from tour…Gone too soon my friend. I’m glad you are at peace and no longer in pain.”
Allen Blickle co-founded Baroness in Savannah, Georgia, in 2003 alongside Baizley, bassist Summer Welch, and guitarist Tim Loose. During his tenure with the band, he contributed to three critically acclaimed albums: the 2007 debut Red Album, 2009’s Blue Record, and 2012’s Yellow & Green.
The drummer’s career with Baroness took a dramatic turn following the band’s horrific bus crash in the UK in August 2012. The vehicle plunged 30 feet off a viaduct near Bath, England, during heavy rain, leaving Allen Blickle hospitalised for two weeks with fractured vertebrae. The traumatic incident ultimately led to his departure from the band in 2013, alongside bassist Matt Maggioni.
Reflecting on the accident’s impact, Blickle told The Fader in 2013: “The accident was much more to me than just a near-death experience. It made me rethink a lot in my life and has been the most difficult time I’ve been through thus far. It was a horrible memory, but I’m trying not to let it define me or stop me from doing what I love.”
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He also addressed the strained relationships that followed his departure: “After the accident, there was space put between us that I regret to say was mostly my fault. I was in some way pushing myself in another direction. I didn’t know how to handle the horrible situation we all went through, but who does?”
Following his exit from Baroness, Blickle continued his musical journey with bands including Romantic Dividends, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Alpaca. He also expanded into film and television work as a composer and sound designer, contributing to Netflix’s We Are the Champions and Best of Stand-Up.
