Tributes paid as former Spiritbox bassist Bill Crook dies

25 July, 2024

NME News

Bill Crook, the former bassist of metal band Spiritbox, has died.

The news was shared on social media last night by Kai Turmann, Crook’s bandmate in their mathcore band A Textbook Tragedy. Turmann wrote: “I have some absolutely devastating news to share. I’m so profoundly sad to say that our dear friend Bill Crook has passed away.”

Turmann continued: “He was a friend to so many, and a dear friend to me since we were children. Bill was, and is, loved by so many people, and I’m so incredibly sorry to have to share this devastating information with you.”

A cause of death has yet to be announced.

Following the news of Crook’s untimely passing, his former bandmates in Spiritbox have yet to comment on the unfortunate news, though vocalist Courtney LaPlante has shared an old photo with the late Crooke on her Instagram Stories. Guitarist Mike Stringer has also done the same.

Pale Chord, Spiritbox’s label, has written on social media: “Please give the band and members time and space to process their loss. RIP Bill.”

Crook was with Spiritbox from 2018 until 2022, and recorded their debut album ‘Eternal Blue’ with the band. The album spawned several hits for the band, including ‘Circle With Me’, ‘Holy Roller’, ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘Silk In The Strings’.

The band announced Crook’s departure from the band in May 2022, confirming that former As I Lay Dying’s Josh Gilbert would be replacing him. They also noted that Crook’s departure was a mutual decision and “with no hard feelings”.

Crook’s last – and only – post on social media was from earlier this month, when he uploaded a reel on Instagram that revealed he had been in the studio working on new music with Underoath’s Aaron Gillespie. According to the post, they had recorded five songs together.

It is currently unknown if these songs will ever get released.

Several tributes have been made on social media following Crook’s untimely death. Amity Affliction member Ahren Stringer posted a series of Instagram Stories dedicated to Crook. In one post, he shared a screen grab of their text conversation from May this year, in which Crook said he was sober and had recently come out of rehab. In the texts, Crook said it was tough having to go through life sober, but that it was all worth it.

Fit For A King’s Ryan O’Leary wrote on Crook’s Instagram post: “Hope you have a fine sleep Bill.” Bad Wolves’ Kyle Konkiel wrote on the same post referencing Crook’s love for Nickelback: “I’m gonna miss you so much man. I’ll meet you at that big Nickelback show in the sky one day.”

Emmure’s Frankie Palmeri wrote on Kai Turmann’s post announcing Crook’s death: “This is a tragedy… God must need angels… we love you, Bill.” Comeback Kid’s Andrew Neufeld wrote on an Instagram story: “I love you @billcrook. Always had your back. You loved me and my brother. You are so special and so loved. We will never forget you.”

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