Lou Koller, historic singer and co-founder of the American hardcore punk band Sick Of It All, has left us. Koller passed away at the age of 59 after a long battle with esophageal cancer. “It is with incredible sadness that we announce to our hardcore family around the world the passing of our brother Lou Koller – writes the band in a post on their social profiles – The sense of loss we feel at this moment is devastating. This year would have marked Sick Of It All's 40th anniversary as a band, and Lou's brotherhood, dedication and enthusiasm have always been unwavering over the years. We have lost a dear friend and an iconic frontman. Lou had the power to lift everyone's spirits at our concerts with a smile and a sarcastic quip and won over crowds wherever we played, from every culture and from every corner of the world. In this time of intense pain, we must once again recognize the great help and support offered by all those who donated to Lou's medical fund. You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he fought through the last two years. The hope is that in some way he can still see and feel the beautiful and positive imprint he left on the world.
In June 2024, Koller announced to fans that doctors had found a tumor in his esophagus that had spread to his stomach, forcing him to stop touring.
Sick Of It All was born in 1986 in Queens, New York, thanks to the initiative of brothers Lou (vocals) and Pete Koller (guitar), together with Armand Majidi (drums) and Rich Cipriano (bass). The debut of the band, dedicated to energetic hardcore punk, took place at the historic CBGB.
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
