Michael Hodges, the Los Angeles-based musician behind Pop Zeus, died last night (December 18) following a motor vehicle accident. Burger Records confirmed his death today. He was 29 years old.
As My News L.A. reports [via Brooklyn Vegan] , a man was driving his motorcycle down Los Angeles' Broadway when another vehicle turned left into his path and collided with him. The motorcyclist was thrown onto the street, and died of his injuries after being taken to a hospital.
While Hodges was unnamed in the article, Burger Records confirmed in a statement that the Pop Zeus member had died.
"So unbelievably sad to say we lost the talented and amazing Mikey Hodges (a.k.a. Pop Zeus) yesterday. He really and truly was one of the nicest, raddest and most welcoming dudes we've ever had the pleasure to call a friend," the label said in a statement. "We released Mikey's debut cassette, Pop Zeus, a few years back after I discovered his demos while riding on a train for the holidays. I couldn't get the songs out of my head so I made a note in my book to follow up on it when I got home. So very glad I did because it gave us a reason to let this giant puppy dog of a man into our lives. He was one of a kind."
There are currently two separate online campaigns to have Hodges' body sent back to his family in Indiana. So far, between the two, over $17,000 has been raised so far. You can find out more info over here and here.
Pop Zeus' 2012 self-titled effort for Burger was followed up earlier this year by the Tell Me So EP, issued through Gnar. You can stream the releases and see online condolences sent by the likes of former Vivian Girls members Cassie Ramone and La Sera, Das Racist rapper Dapwell, Small Black and more.
As My News L.A. reports [via Brooklyn Vegan] , a man was driving his motorcycle down Los Angeles' Broadway when another vehicle turned left into his path and collided with him. The motorcyclist was thrown onto the street, and died of his injuries after being taken to a hospital.
While Hodges was unnamed in the article, Burger Records confirmed in a statement that the Pop Zeus member had died.
"So unbelievably sad to say we lost the talented and amazing Mikey Hodges (a.k.a. Pop Zeus) yesterday. He really and truly was one of the nicest, raddest and most welcoming dudes we've ever had the pleasure to call a friend," the label said in a statement. "We released Mikey's debut cassette, Pop Zeus, a few years back after I discovered his demos while riding on a train for the holidays. I couldn't get the songs out of my head so I made a note in my book to follow up on it when I got home. So very glad I did because it gave us a reason to let this giant puppy dog of a man into our lives. He was one of a kind."
There are currently two separate online campaigns to have Hodges' body sent back to his family in Indiana. So far, between the two, over $17,000 has been raised so far. You can find out more info over here and here.
Pop Zeus' 2012 self-titled effort for Burger was followed up earlier this year by the Tell Me So EP, issued through Gnar. You can stream the releases and see online condolences sent by the likes of former Vivian Girls members Cassie Ramone and La Sera, Das Racist rapper Dapwell, Small Black and more.
Just heard about Mikey Hodges. Just a shame to lose such a sweet and energetic guy from the world. He will be greatly missed.
— Small Black (@SmallBlk) December 19, 2014
Getting word that Mikey Hodges aka @pop_zeus died yesterday. Having a hard time believing it's true.
— Okkervil River (@okkervilriver) December 19, 2014
RIP Mikey Hodges :(
— La Sera (@iamkatygoodman) December 19, 2014
I luv this man and I'm gonna miss his big hugs and magic smile. RIP Mikey pop_zeus http://t.co/JyQCuYB90P
— KING TUFF (@KINGTUFFY) December 19, 2014
REST IN PEACE MIKEY HODGES, YOU WERE A GREAT SOUL AND A GREAT DUDE. YOU WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.
— DAP (@dapwell) December 19, 2014
RIP Mikey Hodges. You will be greatly missed 😿
— Cassie Ramone (@cassieramone) December 19, 2014