Greg Lee, one of the vocalists of the California trad-ska greats Hepcat, has died. He was 53.
The news was shared on social media today by the musician's partner, Amanda Becker. In an Instagram post, she shared that Lee had suffered a massive brain aneurysm in their home in Paramount, CA, on Sunday (March 17), followed by cardiac arrest. First responders were able to regain his pulse, but he was unable to breathe on his own and was put on life support in the NICU. He died yesterday (March 19) at 1 p.m. PT. A neurologist assured Becker that he did not suffer.
Becker went on to reveal that she is currently pregnant with Lee's fourth child, and that he's also survived by his mother, his two brothers and his sister.
"Gregory will also live on in every piece of music he wrote and recorded, in every photo and video you took at a Hepcat show or scooter rally, and in every memory you have of him. To all of his loving friends and fans, I am so sorry for this monumental loss," she wrote. "I do not have nearly enough superlatives to describe this incredible, beautiful, unique, and genuine man. My love."
She continued, "He has touched the lives and hearts of so many people all around the world through music and travel. His songs with Hepcat helped so many of us in both joyous and even depressing times. He has inspired so many to create, dance, sing, and love. Myself included. His unique talents and presence will forever be unmatched. He is truly one-of-a-kind."
Hepcat formed in 1989, taking inspiration from ska's first wave in the 1960s as opposed to more contemporary takes on the genre. They released their first album, Out of Nowhere, in 1993, not scoring a hit until five years later when their third LP, Right on Time, produced "No Worries" and landed them a spot on Vans Warped Tour. Long-time bassist David Fuentes died in 2007, followed by guitarist Aaron Owens in 2012, but the band has continued performing (albeit infrequently).
See Becker's tribute to Lee below.