John Berry, an original member of the Beastie Boys, has passed away, Rolling Stone reports. His father confirmed his death, saying he suffered from frontal lobe dementia, which had worsened in recent months. John was 52.
John first played with Mike D in a trio called The Young Aborigines (which also included drummer Kate Schellenbach, also an early Beastie Boys member and later of Lucious Jackson), and they soon met Adam Yauch (RIP) and formed the Beastie Boys in 1981. John also came up with the band’s name. He played with them on their debut, Polly Wog Stew (when they were still a punk band), but left shortly after.
The Adam Yauch-penned speech that Ad-Rock read when the Beasties were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 included mention of John Berry.
Rest in peace John. You’ll be missed.
Listen to Polly Wog Stew: