Former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh dies
Mikey Welsh, the bassist for Weezer between 1998 and 2001, died unexpectedly yesterday. He was 40. No further details are known at the moment; a post on Welsh's official Facebook page states: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Mikey Welsh passed away unexpectedly today. He will forever be remembered as an amazing father, artist, and friend. May he rest in peace.”
Weezer took to Twitter and posted the following: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the awful news, our friend and fellow weez rocker @mikeywelsh71 has passed away. We love u Mikey.”
Welsh joined Weezer after Matt Sharp left the band in 1998, and stayed with them through 2001. However, he joined Weezer and Flaming Lips for a performance of “Undone (The Sweater Song)” in July, a performance captured in the video below.
Our condolences go out to Welsh's family and friends.
[Update, Sunday, October 9: The Chicago Tribune, citing police sources, is reporting that authorities suspect drugs were a factor in Welsh's death. An article published this morning states:
Welsh, 40, was found unresponsive on the floor after failing to check out of his room at the Raffaello Hotel in the 200 block of East Delaware Place at 1 p.m. Saturday, according toChicago Police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak. Hotel staff found him.
Welsh was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:50 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. An autopsy is scheduled for later day, but authorities said narcotics are suspected as the cause of death.
