Allen Blickle, the drummer who helped form the American metal band Baroness, has died at 42, his former bandmates said Monday. The group shared a statement on social media saying Blickle passed away "a few days ago," and asked for privacy while his family and bandmates grieve; the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Frontman John Baizley wrote that he was in shock at the news and called Blickle a "dear friend, creative partner and former bandmate." Baizley added, "It breaks my heart to have to share the news that my dear friend, creative partner and former bandmate Allen Blickle passed away a few days ago. I’m still in shock that he’s gone. We ask for understanding as his family and this band process his passing and grieve his loss. Allen, I love you and miss you. I treasure every moment we shared."
Fellow musician Laura Pleasants, known for her work with Kylesa, posted on Instagram saying she was "so heartbroken" and that she was "glad you are at peace and no longer in pain." Pleasants said she had reconnected with Blickle after moving to Los Angeles and recalled spending time together playing music and attending shows.
Blickle helped form Baroness in 2003 alongside Baizley, bassist Summer Welch and guitarist Tim Loose. He played on the band's early records, appearing on the albums Red, Blue and Yellow & Green, which established the band's profile in the heavy music scene. Lineup changes followed soon after the band's formation: Loose left in 2003 and was briefly replaced by Blickle's brother Brian before Pete Adams joined in 2008.
In 2013 Baroness were involved in a serious bus crash while on tour that left the vehicle having fallen more than 30 feet. The accident injured several members of the touring party; Blickle and then-bassist Matt Maggioni sustained fractured vertebrae. Both musicians left the band in 2014 as the group regrouped and continued with recovery and lineup changes.
Band members and peers paid tribute while requesting space for the family and close friends. The social media statement from Baroness did not provide further details about funeral arrangements or memorial plans.
Blickle's work with Baroness on its first three albums is cited by fans and critics as influential in the band's early sound and rise within the broader metal and rock communities. The band’s statement underscored the personal as well as professional loss felt by his former bandmates, describing Blickle as a close friend and creative partner.
No public statement on a cause of death was available as of the band’s announcement, and representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Family, friends and collaborators were among those expressing condolences and remembering Blickle's contributions to his music projects and to those who knew him personally.