Grandaddy Cancels Tour Due To Tragic Loss Of Bassist Kevin Garcia

A full decade after disbanding, critically acclaimed Modesto, CA indie rock outfit, Grandaddy, returned this year with a brand new album full of all new material titled, Last Place, and began selling out tour dates across the globe for its promotion.  With positive feedback being generated almost immediately, it was a much welcomed turn of events for fans of the group, new and old, to finally have some new music to listen to and a chance to finally see them perform again, beyond the handful of random festival gigs the band reunited to play back in 2012.  In fact, we were in the process of running a giveaway for a pair of tickets to see them perform next week at the Neptune Theatre in Seattle, a promotion that we are forced to end right now for the most unfortunate of possible reasons.

On Monday, May 1st, bassist, Kevin Garcia suffered a stroke, which resulted in him passing away just yesterday.  A founding member of the group, Kevin was an integral part of the project who had been with Grandaddy since their formation in 1992 as a punk-inspired trio performing at places like skateboarding competitions.  More than just a talented musician, his entire being is woven into the fabric of Grandaddy and, for his bandmates to which he had become like family, the individual that Garcia was will never be replaceable.  Yesterday, the band made an official statement regarding his passing through social media, accompanied by the photo above.  We expected information regarding tour cancellation to follow shortly and were only waiting for confirmation, which has now arrived.  Our condolences to the band, Kevin‘s family, and everyone else who new and loved the man and his work.

Read the official statement below and please consider contributing to the GoFundMe set up to assist with his family’s expenses, if it’s something that you’re in a position to do.

GRANDADDY STATEMENT:

There are no accurate words to express what we need to.

We are absolutely shattered to say that we lost our friend and band mate Kevin Garcia early this afternoon. He succumbed to the effects of a massive stroke.
We were all able to say goodbye to him and he was surrounded by his closest friends and family here in Modesto.
Kevin started playing with Grandaddy when he was fifteen. He was an actual angel. He navigated life with a grace, a generosity and a kindness that was utterly unique. And contagious. He is loved so deeply by so many.
Kevin was a proud father of two children, Jayden and Gavin. He is survived by his grandmother Joan, his parents Randy and Barbara (who let us practice at their house until 2001…and who are the best), his brothers Craig and Jeff and his wife Sondra.

 

There is a gofundme here to help with his family’s coming expenses:  https://www.gofundme.com/friends-of-kevin-garcia

 

Given the circumstances, we unfortunately have to cancel our upcoming US tour dates.   We hope to reschedule these at some point in the future.  

 

With great sadness and love, Grandaddy