The British metal community is grappling with a significant and untimely loss. Jon Kennedy, the original bassist for the metal band Cradle of Filth, has died in a tragic car accident at the age of 44.
The accident occurred last week on the A55 near Broughton in Wales.
Kennedy joined Cradle of Filth in 1994 and remained with the band for about a year. During his time with the band, he made a lasting impact.
The band, formed in Suffolk in 1991, evolved from black metal to a more "produced" amalgam of gothic metal, symphonic metal, and other metal genres. Their lyrical themes often draw from Gothic literature, poetry, mythology, and horror films.
Dani Filth, the frontman of Cradle of Filth, led emotional tributes to Kennedy.
"He was a great bassist and singer who filled in for Cradle at a time of such magical import, mayhem, and mischief," Filth said according to The Sun.
He also recalled fond memories of staying at Kennedy's mother's house in Wales in 1995, where they would often play pranks on each other. "He will be missed! Farewell, my old friend," Filth added.
After his time with Cradle of Filth, Kennedy moved on to other projects, including contributions to the black metal band Hecate Enthroned.
The band also took to social media to pay tribute to him, stating that his passion for music was "huge and at times all-consuming," and that he was "revered within the Black Metal scene."
Kennedy's death is not just a loss for his family and friends but also for the thousands of music fans and genre lovers he inspired. "Jon's passion for music was huge and at times all-consuming, which is reflected in how he is revered within the Black Metal scene," read a statement by Hecate Enthroned.
Kennedy, who resided in Buckley, North Wales, was also remembered as a loving father, husband, and son. "Our thoughts and hearts are with his wonderful family at this incredibly difficult time," the band added.
Listen to one of the bands most popular songs below
