Today at the music world lost one of its pioneers of the punk rock genre. Singer and guitarist Kim Shattuck of The Muffs passed away in her sleep last night. She had been battling the debilitating disease ALS, which is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease for around two years before her death.
She is survived by her husband Scott Sutherland, who confirmed her death via a message on Instagram. Shattuck’s former bandmate Melanie Vammen from The Muffs shared the news publicly because Sutherland’s Instagram account is private, adding her own message: “My heart is forever broken.” Vammen was also a member of The Coolies with Shattuck. All funds from their album were contributed towards The ALS Association.
“This morning the love of my life Kim passed peacefully in her sleep after a two-year struggle with ALS. I am the man I am today because of her,” he wrote in the post. “She will live with all of us through her music, our shared memories and in her fierce creative spirit. I love you always my Kimmy. Thanks for sharing your life with me.”
UPDATE (10/3): Official statements have been released by Omnivore Records and her bandmates in The Muffs, Roy McDonald & Ronnie Barnett. The Muffs are scheduled to release their new album No Holiday on October 18. The music world reacted to the death of one of alternative rock’s most iconic voices with an outpouring of love and sadness at losing her.
“All of us at Omnivore Recordings are devastated by the loss of our friend Kim Shattuck of The Muffs,” read a statement from Omnivore Records. “We’re thinking about all her friends and fans, especially her family and bandmates. Her creative fire will endure and inspire artists of tomorrow. We’re so grateful to have been in the audience and to have played a small part in getting more of her music out into the world.”
“We are very sorry to announce the passing of our bandmate and dear friend Kim Shattuck,” said the statement from Barnett and McDonald. “Besides being a brilliant songwriter, rocking guitarist and singer/screamer extrordinaire, Kim was a true force of nature. While battling ALS, Kim produced our last album, overseeing every part of the record from tracking to artwork. She was our best friend and playing her songs was an honor. Goodbye Kimba. We love you more than we could ever say.”
Photo Credit: Marv Watson
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