We’re very sad to be hearing reports about the passing of original Baroness drummer Allen Blickle, who co-founded the band with vocalist/guitarist John Baizley, guitarist Tim Loose, and bassist Summer Welch in 2003 and went on to play on their First (2004) and Second (2005) EPs, and their first three albums: 2007’s Red Album, 2009’s Blue Record, and 2012’s Yellow & Green. Blickle left the band after Baroness’ 2012 bus crash that left him with a fractured vertebrae, and left Baizley with a broken arm and leg.
UPDATE: John Baizley posted a tribute to Blickle, writing:
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. 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 news first started to circulate after longtime peer and friend Laura Pleasants of neighboring Savannah, Georgia sludge metal band Kylesa penned a tribute, which reads:
Dear Allen… I was so heartbroken when talking w Joe and Summer the other day; finding out how the past month was. I am just gutted, dude. We all thought you had this thing beat. Fuck, we were supposed to hang out when i got back from tour 💔 I feel so lucky to have reconnected with you after moving to LA a few years ago. Spending time w you out here, playing music, going to shows, hanging at a pool party, rocking the Hell out to FEAR… getting to know you on a deeper lever was a real privilege. You were a REAL one! So talented, so rad.
Gone too soon my friend. I’m glad you are at peace and no longer in pain.
Much love to you.
RIP Allen Blickle ♥️
Allen was 42 at the time of his passing. No cause of death has currently been revealed.
After leaving Baroness, Allen launched the electronic pop project Alpaca with vocalist Justin Nuckols, and he also drummed for A Place to Bury Strangers. More recently, he formed the soul duo Romantic Dividends, who released their debut album Giallo earlier this year.
Rest in peace, Allen. Those classic Baroness records never would’ve been the same without you.
View this post on Instagram