Remembering Mitch Lucker, Seven Years Later

In many ways, Mitch Lucker defined a generation of metalheads. Wily and affable, tattooed to the nines, a fan of both ultra-brutal extreme metal and catchy mainstream rock, Mitch was a perfect representative of the new breed of fans emerging in heavy music, who grew up on a wide variety of influences and didn’t feel the need to wear a uniform of stoic black. But it was also his attitude and mindset that showed headbangers what they could be – while Mitch’s music was utterly punishing, he himself was known for his big heart and friendly demeanor. Sadly, like many musicians who seem effortlessly strong, Mitch also wrestled with personal demons. In the speech she gave at a candlelight vigil following his death, his wife Jolie said that Mitch was an alcoholic, and that he’d been drinking ...

unsplash-logoLilith Redmoon