Tony Sly, front man of seminal punk band No Use For A Name, has died at the age of 41.
The singer, who played a solo live show only last Sunday (July 29), was sadly reported to have passed away by his record label Fat Wreck Chords late last night (August 1). No cause of death has been named as yet.
Confirming the news in a statement, the punk label said: “It is with great sorrow that we must say goodbye to Tony Sly of No Use For A Name. We received a call earlier today of his passing, and are devastated. We have lost an incredible talent, friend, and father – one of the true greats.”
Sly joined No Use For A Name in 1989 when he was just 18 years old and went on to release a total of nine studio albums with the band. The group’s last album came in 2008 with “The Feel Good Record Of The Year”, while they also released a number of EPs and split singles across their career.
In recent years, Sly had also begun a solo career and had released two albums under his own name, 2010’s “12 Song Program” and 2011’s “Sad Bear”. He also released two split acoustic albums with Lagwagon frontman Joey Cape.
A number of high profile musicians have paid tribute to Sly, including NOFX frontman Michael “Fat Mike” Burkett, who also runs Sly’s longtime label Fat Wreck Chords. Speaking about Sly, Burkett said: “One of my dearest friends and favorite song writers has gone way too soon. Tony, you will be greatly missed.”
Rise Against also offered their condolences, writing of Sly: “We are truly saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Tony Sly. He was an amazing song writer and an amazing person. RIP Tony Sly.”
The Offspring also joined the tributes, saying of Sly: “So sad to hear of Tony Sly’s passing. One of the nicest guys ever. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. He’ll be greatly missed.” Pop-punkers The Ataris also spoke highly of Sly, adding: “Tony Sly, you wrote some solid songs. When we were just starting out, you generously let us crash your hotel floor. Stay gold man. Godspeed.”
Simple Plan singer Pierre Bouvier said: “Can’t believe to hear Tony Sly passed away. Another one gone too soon. so sad. RIP Tony Sly. You will be missed.”
Punk bands Face To Face and The Bouncing Souls also paid tribute to Sly, with Face To Face saying: “Terrible news today about Tony Sly passing away. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends” and The Bouncing Souls adding: “We’re extremely sad to hear about the passing of Tony Sly. RIP brother. You will be missed”.
Our prayers go out to Tony’s family and friends.