Guitarist Bryan Ottoson of American Head Charge, was found dead in a tour bus Tuesday in North Charleston, S.C. A band spokeswoman said Ottoson, 27, died in his bunk between stops on the group's tour with Mudvayne. The cause of death was uncertain, pending an autopsy. American Head Charge's latest CD, "The Feeding," came out in March. I had a chance to interview Ottoson a couple of months ago and he seemed like a really good guy. My sympathy goes out to his family, friends and fans.
Here's an official statement from the band: American Head Charge has issued their first statement to the press following the death of guitarist Bryan Ottoson on April 19 in North Charleston, SC:
"The music world has lost a great guitarist and an even greater person with the death of our dear friend Bryan Ottoson.
"Bryan was a vital member of our group and a key songwriter on The Feeding. It is our intention to honor his memory by re-joining Mudvayne, one of Bryan's favorite bands, on their current tour. Words cannot convey the depth of our sadness, but we want our fans to be able to hear the music Bryan loved so much. He'd be pissed if we didn't continue on. We will return on the Lubbock, TX date on April 29th."
Bryan's surviving brother, Chad Ottoson, added: "The Ottoson family firmly stands behind AHC's decision to carry on in Bryan's name." A public memorial service for Bryan is forthcoming. Please check the band's website, http://www.headcharge.com/ , for further information.
Former Tuff Bassist Dies
From Tuff frontman Stevie Rachelle: "With tears in my eyes as I type this I have just received word that my friend and former Tuff bassist Danny Wilder has passed away.
This is some very sad and disturbing news. Of course we'll wait to hear the coroner's report, but I'll be the one to tell you what Danny can't. He OD'd, and it looks like it was heroin. He had finished another rehab stint and was in the process of cleaning up his life when he decided to dabble again.
It cost him his life. No further details are available at the moment.
Danny Wilder played bass in Tuff during the 1992-1993 touring years. He also played with Emi Canyon (Nasty Habit of Motley Crue) in a project called Alice in Thunderland.
