LOU Koller of New York hardcore unit Sick Of It All has died after a battle with cancer.
Koller’s death was announced late July 24 New York time by his bandmates on social media.
“It’s with unbelievable sadness that we announce to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller. The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming,” read the statement. This year would have marked Sick of it All’s 40th anniversary as a band, and Lou’s camaraderie, commitment and enthusiasm were always steadfast throughout the years. We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman. Lou had the power to raise everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over wherever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world.”
The statement also thanked all those who contributed to Koller’s medical aid, after he revealed he was suffering from oesophagal cancer in June 2024. In May of last year he reported that his treatment had been successful, but his diagnosis worsened in September.
Koller formed Sick Of It All with his guitarist and brother Pete while still in high school in 1986. The band’s 1989 debut Blood, Sweat and No Tears established the blueprint for the future sound of the New York hardcore scene, developing an ethic of inclusiveness and individual empowerment. Sick Of It All would go on to move more than half a million albums in their career.
Lou Koller was 59.