Eric Wagner, the former lead singer of Chicago doom metal pioneers Trouble, has passed away. He was 62 years old.
The news of his passing, as reported by Blabbermouth, was confirmed on Facebook by his eldest son, Luke Wagner.
“Hey all this is Luke Wagner his oldest son,” Wagner wrote in a comment, “Eric Wagner has passed away.”
The comment was posted on a post made by Eric Wagner’s band The Skull, which had revealed that Wagner had been admitted to hospital with pneumonia induced by COVID-19 and thus their current tour had to be paused.
The band later released a brief statement on Wagner’s passing, writing on Facebook, “We all are devastated and in shock.
“We lost a band mate, friend, and brother. We will make a statement once we get more info and come to terms with this.”
Tributes to Wagner by others in the music industry have been shared online since news of his passing. View them below.
I can’t believe I’m posting this. Eric Wagner vocalist of Trouble has died from COVID-19. I want to break every fucking thing right now. If you don’t know the band have a listen. Real Metal. https://t.co/9UWidFLiQe
— Tracii ⨁ ???? (@TraciiGuns) August 23, 2021
Bummed to hear of the passing of Eric Wagner of Trouble & The Skull. Trouble’s early albums were the prototype of Doom Metal & Stoner Rock…and their 1990 Self Titled album is an all-time favorite of mine. I gave it a spin today & Track #6 says it all: #RIPEricWagner pic.twitter.com/luo62baqyQ
— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) August 24, 2021
RIP Eric Wagner of Trouble – the cult doom band which influenced so many bands on this label. He will be missed. #RIPEricWagner #troubleband https://t.co/4dknKxzsPl
— Earache Records ♠️ (@EaracheRecords) August 24, 2021