Rick Froberg, frontman for the massively influential bands Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, and Obits, passed away on Friday at the age of 55.
Few rock musicians have amassed a body of work that is so deeply passionate and intense, yet also so incredibly cool. In many regards, Rick Froberg never made a misstep. Most aficionados of post-hardcore and indie rock revere his music as essential. He was a punk guitarist in full control of his aesthetic and tone, but also a razor-sharp lyricist. He used his gnarled howl to furiously decry the banal hypocrisies of life, often with lacerating wit.
His work in the seminal San Diego band Drive Like Jehu, formed with longtime collaborator John Reis, became a primary influence in the formation of emo. Critics and fans praise the band’s masterful 1994 swan song Yank Crime as a classic. Its knotty musical complexity is complemented by lengthy song structures and Froberg’s blistering and heady catharsis.
Years later, Froberg and Reis reconvened to form the explosive punk combo Hot Snakes. The band fused their slashing guitar interplay with the warm, crisp tones of classic garage punk and hardcore. The Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack included the song “This Mystic Decade” off their brilliant 2004 record Audit in Progress. Froberg posted on his Instagram page that their newest record is “very near done.” He also fronted the more classically influenced garage rock unit Obits.
Froberg was also a celebrated visual artist. His widely recognizable style utilized the lettering and penciling of classic comic books and movie serial posters. He illustrated album covers for all of his bands as well as releases for artists such as Frankie Cosmos and Coliseum.
Many fellow musicians have expressed their admiration for Froberg and sadness for his passing on social media. Reis, who has been collaborating with Froberg since they formed the band Pitchfork together back in 1986, says of his longtime friend in an Instagram post:
“His art made life better. The only thing he loved more than art and rock n roll was his friends. He will forever be remembered for his creativity, vision and his ability to bring beauty into this world. I love you, Rick. I will miss you for the rest of my life.”
Photo courtesy of social media
