UPDATED: Mitch Lucker, lead singer of Suicide Silence, killed in motorcycle crash

Alt Press

November 1, 2012

Additional reporting by Cassie Whitt and Tyler Common

UPDATE: November 2 at 4:17 p.m. EDT

Watch a video from the vigil of Lucker's fans and friends paying tribute to him via BandsOnTour TV.

UPDATE: November 2 at 12:39 p.m. EDT

We have exclusive updates from last night's vigil along with a photo gallery.

UPDATE: November 2 at 5:59 a.m. EDT

Words cannot even describe the amount of love expressed at tonight's candlelight vigil. It was truly incredibly. twitter.com/suicidesilence…

— Suicide Silence (@suicidesilence) November 2, 2012

UPDATE: 8:06 p.m. EDT

The Los Angeles Times has reported from authorities that “Lucker struck a light pole near the intersection of Main and 13th streets [in Huntington Beach, CA] and was thrown from his 2013 Harley Davidson.”

UPDATE: 5:48 p.m. EDT

The band has announced that there will be an open candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. tonight in Huntington Beach, CA. Read the tweet below:

There will be a candlelight vigil held for Mitch tonight at 8pm in Huntington Beach at Main St. & 12th. This is open to anyone to attend.

— Suicide Silence (@suicidesilence) November 1, 2012

UPDATE: 4:05 p.m.

About a month ago, I spoke with Mitch Lucker for an article I was writing for the January issue of AP. The story was about musicians who ride Harley-Davidsons–sort of a “My Favorite Gear” column, but with motorcycles. It was no secret in this music scene that Lucker was an avid motorcycle rider, and he was more than willing to speak with me about his second-favorite hobby. He was just an all-around nice guy–one of those rare interview subjects who makes my job so easy, like I'm just chatting with a friend. I was also struck by his passion, for music, motorcycles and his home state of California. Below is a bit of my interview with Lucker. As Nuclear Blast Records said in their official statement regarding Lucker's death: “He left us doing what he loved to do most.” RIP Mitch. You will be missed. -Brittany Moseley, Associate Editor of AP

When did you become interested in motorcycles?
When I was growing up, we lived by the hills in Riverside [California], so if you had a dirt bike, you were the cool kid. If it had a motor and two wheels, it was badass.

What attracts you to motorcycles?
The danger in it. Being a frontman in a band, you get addicted to adrenaline rushes. When you’re onstage, there’s not more of a rush. When I get home from touring, I need to find something to match that so I don’t get my adrenaline withdrawals. Being exposed to every element […] while you’re sitting on a motor—that to me is freedom.

Is there a sense of camaraderie among motorcycle riders?
Even if you’re just riding on the highway by yourself and someone passes you on a bike going the opposite direction, there’s like a “Hey, what’s up?” type of thing that you do no matter who you are. People in cars don’t do that. But motorcycle-to-motorcycle, it’s just a common respect kind of thing. It’s kind of a family unit.

——–

UPDATE: 7:36 p.m. EDT

Lucker appeared in the Warped Tour documentary film, “No Room For Rockstars” earlier this year. Check out a clip below in which he describes how performance rids him of his anxiety.

“The only time I feel normal, and not stressed out and not freaked out, is when I’m onstage,” Lucker said.

Later in the clip, Lucker’s mother goes on to say, “You know, it’s like two personalities. When Mitchell gets onstage, he just becomes this magnificent beast.”

——–

UPDATE: 2:23 p.m.

Nuclear Blast issued an official statement regarding Lucker's death:

It is with great sadness and regret this morning that we have to report that Mitch Lucker, vocalist of SUICIDE SILENCE, passed away a few hours ago due to injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident.

NUCLEAR BLAST would like to offer our condolences to his family, friends, band members and fans worldwide who are affected by this loss.

He left us doing what he loved to do most. He was 28 years old and will be sorely missed.

Fans are encouraged to share their memories, photos of Mitch and condolences on the band’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SuicideSilence.

——–

ORIGINAL POST (1:49 p.m. EDT):

Mitch Lucker, lead singer of heavy metal band Suicide Silence, died early this morning after being in a motorcycle accident Wednesday night. He was 28. AP confirmed the news with Charles Elliott of Nuclear Blast Records, the label Suicide Silence are signed to.

According to an article fron The Press-Enterprise, Lucker was pronounced dead at 6:17 a.m. PT this morning at UCI Medical Center in Orange County, California. Lucker was hospitalized after a motorcycle accident shortly before 9 p.m. PT Wednesday. Huntington Beach police are investigating the crash.

Suicide Silence are part of the Monster Energy Outbreak tour, along with Asking Alexandria, As I Lay Dying, Memphis May Fire and Attila, which is scheduled to kick off November 16. No word yet on how or if this will affect the tour.

Just four days ago, Lucker posted the photo to the right on his Instagram of him riding his motorcycle down the highway. The caption read: “Caught smashin on the 55 fwy last night by @00rjroyer00 good times.”

AP will have more details as this story develops.

THE MUSIC COMMUNITY RESPONDS
(updated November 2 at 5:57 a.m. EDT)

The music scene lost a legend and friend… Much love to the @suicidesilence family.

— Of Mice & Men (@OMandM) November 2, 2012

Just left the candle light service in Huntington. My prayers & condolences go out to Mitch’s family & closest friends. Devastated. Legend.

— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) November 2, 2012

Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Mitch Lucker of Suicide Silence. Glad to have met you. Rest in peace.

— Circa Survive (@circasurvive) November 1, 2012

Our brothers in Suicide Silence lost their leader today. An amazing father, an amazing friend & frontman. Mitch,… fb.me/10xdZ1oE7

— The Word Alive (@TheWordAlive) November 1, 2012

We love you Mitch. Our hearts go out to everyone in SS and anyone and everyone affected by this loss. Mitch was… fb.me/1EMx4Zfpj

— EMMURE (@EMMUREmusic) November 1, 2012

RIP Mitch Lucker from Suicide Silence.We all miss you man…#RIPMitchLucker

— Vic Fuentes (@piercethevic) November 1, 2012

We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our brothers…a hard working musician that paved the way for many. #RIPmitch :/

— In Fear and Faith (@infaf) November 1, 2012

Please respect the pinnacles suicide silence have reached and achieved for our scene… Remember the legends they've become!!!

— In Fear and Faith (@infaf) November 2, 2012

My heart goes out to Jolie and the family and the band. Mitch Lucker you were a great dude and true artist. instagr.am/p/Rf2kuMpws8/

— Joel Piper (@joelpiper) November 1, 2012

Stepped off the plane to learn of Mitch Luckers passing, what a great father and singer. An good example to many, RIP, u will be missed.

— KevinLyman (@KevinLyman) November 1, 2012

Gutted to hear about the loss of Mitch. Always heard great things of his character. My heart goes out to all of those who were close to him.

— Billy Hamilton (@billverstein) November 1, 2012

Just so awful to hear about Mitch.I hope there is a fund set up for his family.

— Shane Told (@shanetold) November 1, 2012

R.I.P. @mitchluckerss

— andyglassjaw (@andyglassjaw) November 1, 2012

I can't believe this is real. @mitchluckerss i've always wanted to meet you. I'm crying. Rest In peace. You were one of the best!

— Julia Pierce (@JuliaCherriBomb) November 1, 2012

Our thoughts and condolences go out to @suicidesilence and the family of Mitch Lucker. Metal has lost an icon. RIP man.

— Motionless In White (@MIWband) November 1, 2012

Sad to hear that the music world lost one of it's greatest frontmen today. RIP Mitch Lucker.

— ForAllThoseSleeping (@FATSBAND) November 1, 2012

RIP Mitch Lucker. Thoughts are with him & his family.

— Travis Mills (@ilovetmills) November 1, 2012

RIP Mitch Lucker, you were a badass frontman and you will be missed brother. Wish we had the opportunity to share the stage! @suicidesilence

— ISSUES (@issues) November 1, 2012

We're deeply saddened to have lost one of heavy music's most valued icons, Mitch Lucker. Our thoughts are with his family friends and fans.

— Bring Me The Horizon (@bmthofficial) November 1, 2012

R.I.P Mitch Lucker

— Funeral For A Friend (@ffaf) November 1, 2012

RIP Mitch Lucker ..You inspired so many people & it was an honor to know you. “A True Pirate & stand up guy”~ @michaelvampire

— VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! (@VAMPEVERYWHERE) November 1, 2012

R.I.P @mitchluckerss

— Chelsea Grin (@ChelseaGrinUT) November 1, 2012

Wow. Rip to our brother Mitch. Our hearts and thoughts go out to our Suicide Silence dudes and the Lucker family. We love you guys.

— Vanna (@VannaBoston) November 1, 2012