OBITUARY

Remembering Terry Kirkman: A Musical Journey from Folk Legends to Addiction Counseling.

Kent Stax, Legendary Drummer and Founding Member of Scream, Passes Away at 61In a somber turn of events, the world of punk and hardcore music mourns the loss of a true pioneer. Kent Stax, the revered drummer and founding member of the iconic Virginia hardcore group Scream, has passed away at the age of 61. The devastating news was shared by his bandmates through a heartfelt Facebook post on September 20. Stax had been valiantly battling metastatic cancer, a battle that he fought with unwavering strength and determination.The announcement from Scream on Facebook echoed the profound impact Stax had on the band’s sound and identity. They wrote, We are heartbroken to share that our drummer Bennett Kent Stax passed away this morning. Kent is the original heartbeat of Scream. Though we have had to continue on without him before, we have always known Kent is irreplaceable. His contribution to Scream’s legacy is immeasurable, a testament to his exceptional talent and musical vision.The story of Scream began in Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia, in 1979 when Stax, along with schoolmates Skeeter Enoch Thompson (on bass), and brothers Pete and Franz Stahl (on vocals and guitar, respectively), decided to embark on a musical journey that would leave an indelible mark on the hardcore scene. Influenced by the burgeoning punk movement in nearby Washington, D.C., they drew inspiration from trailblazing bands like Bad Brains.Their debut album, Still Screaming, which they recorded in 1982 at the legendary Inner Ear Studio, marked a significant milestone. Co-produced by the band, Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat, Eddie Janney (later of Rites of Spring), and Don Zientara, it became the first-ever full-length release on MacKaye’s Dischord label, cementing Scream’s place in the annals of punk history.Stax’s rhythmic prowess continued to propel Scream through two more albums, This Side Up in 1985 and Banging the Drum in 1986. However, in the mid-to-late ’80s, he made the difficult decision to step away from the band to focus on starting a family. His departure opened the door for another legendary drummer, Dave Grohl, who later went on to join Nirvana in 1990.A heartwarming moment occurred in 1996 when Stax briefly reunited with his former bandmates for a Christmas show, a performance that was captured for posterity on the Live at the Black Cat CD. The magic didn’t end there; in 2021, Stax and Scream returned to Inner Ear Studio, as well as to Dischord, to record their latest full-length album, DC Special. This upcoming release, slated for November 10, promises to be a fitting tribute to Stax’s enduring legacy, featuring contributions from music luminaries such as Dave Grohl, Amy Pickering, Mark Cisneros, Joe Lally, and more.While Stax was undeniably a remarkable drummer, his talents extended far beyond the realm of music. He was an accomplished fisherman, a skilled carpenter, and an avid train enthusiast. His eclectic interests and passions made him a unique and cherished individual.In addition to his work with Scream, Stax made his mark in other prominent punk and hardcore bands, including The Suspects, Spitfires United, Alleged Bricks, and more. He also explored different musical genres, lending his talents to The Daryl Davis Band and The Old Dominion Trio.Kent Stax leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 40 years, Andrea, and his daughter Jennifer. He is also survived by his brothers Kurt, William, and Henry, as well as a multitude of bandmates, friends, and devoted fans. If you had the privilege of witnessing Stax’s electrifying drumming in person or had the honor of knowing him personally, your cherished thoughts and memories find a warm welcome here.As we bid farewell to a true legend, let us remember Kent Stax not only for his groundbreaking contributions to music but also for his unwavering passion for life and his enduring impact on the hearts of those who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. The beat may have stopped, but the rhythm of his spirit will forever resonate in the world of music and beyond.

Tribute to Irish Grinstead, vocalist of 702’s Where My Girls At, a heartfelt farewell to a music icon.

Remembering Irish Grinstead, the voice behind ‘Where My Girls At,’ a cherished member of 702, and her enduring musical legacy.

A tribute to Richard Davis: The bass virtuoso who transcended genres, leaving an indelible mark on music and society.

This tribute delves into the life and legacy of Smash Mouth’s founding vocalist, Steve Harwell, who passed away at 56. The article covers his early rap aspirations, health struggles, and significant contributions to pop and rock music.

Remembering Sakevi Yokoyama: The Fabled Voice of G.I.S.M. Japanese hardcore punk pioneer and his legacy of rebellion and enigma.

Remembering Jimmy Buffett: A Musical Icon Whose Carefree Melodies Touched Hearts and Created a Margaritaville Legacy.

Remembering Sakevi Yokoyama: The Legendary Voice of G.I.S.M. Hardcore Punk, a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on music and mystique.

The iconic musician and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, known for his relaxed tunes and Margaritaville empire, has passed away at 76. This tribute delves into his life, musical journey, and how he became the unofficial ambassador of carefree living.