Bad Brains Sid McCray -min
[Photo via Brandon McCray/Go Fund Me]

Original Bad Brains frontman Sid McCray has died

Sid McCray, the original frontman for the Washington D.C. hardcore punk group Bad Brains, has passed away.

The band confirmed the news over the weekend.

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On Saturday, Bad Brains confirmed that McCray passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

R.I.P to the Don, my brother – sail on

Posted by Bad Brains on Saturday, 12 September 2020

A Go Fund Me has launched to help with McCray’s, born Sidney McCray, funeral expenses.

“Sidney McCray aka ‘SidMac’ the original lead singer & cofounder of the Punk Rock Band Bad Brains,” the Go Fund Me page says. “Passed on September 9, 2020. He is remembered and loved by seven children, family, friends, his former band members and a host of loyal fans. Sidney’s children would like to have a Memorial Service for their father and are gratefully in acceptance of donations. Contributions will solely go towards the Last Honors for SidMac. We Thank You in advance for your Condolences, Love and Prayers.”

McCray fronted Bad Brains from 1977 – 1978. The band was originally a jazz-fusion group called Mind Power. However, Bad Brains entered the world of punk after McCray introduced the genre to the group.

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According to Pitchfork, McCray specifically played his bandmates records from the Ramones and Sex Pistols which influneced Bad Brains’ punk sound. In particular, the Ramones song “Bad Brain” eventually inspired the band’s name.

McCray left Bad Brains before they made their first recordings. However, McCray reunited with the band in 2017. Together, they performed for the first time in 39 years.

Head here to donate to McCray’s Go Fund Me page and watch McCray’s 2017 performance with Bad Brains below.

Our thoughts go out to McCray’s loved ones during this time.