Lou Koller, Sick of It All Frontman, Dies Aged 59

Lou Koller, the longtime frontman and co-founder of New York hardcore band Sick of It All, has died at the age of 59 after battling esophageal adenocarcinoma.

The band announced his death on Friday in a statement on social media, saying they were experiencing an "overwhelming" sense of loss. They described Koller as a beloved friend whose energy, humour and passion made him an iconic figure in the hardcore music scene.

In June 2024, Koller revealed he had been diagnosed with a tumour in his esophagus that had spread to his stomach. He stepped away from touring to undergo treatment.

Koller formed Sick of It All in Queens, New York, in 1986 with his brother Pete Koller and drummer Armand Majidi. The band became one of the leading names in New York hardcore, releasing its debut album Blood, Sweat and No Tears in 1989. Bassist Craig Setari joined the group in 1993, and their most recent album, Wake the Sleeping Dragon!, was released in 2018.

The band also thanked fans who supported Koller during his illness through donations to his medical fund. They said his battle was over and expressed hope that he knew the positive impact he had made on fans around the world.