Former Weezer bass player turned artist Mikey Welsh has passed away at the age of 40.
Drawn into the orbit of Rivers Cuomo in the mid 90s, Mikey Welsh joined Weezer following the departure of original bass player Matt Sharp. Touring with the band, his songwriting input helped shape the band’s self titled 2001 album.
A respected creative talent, Mikey Welsh could not withstand the rigors of touring with the continual stress taking its toll. After 18 months with the band the bass player suffered a nervous breakdown and was forced to seek professional help.
Retiring from Weezer, Mikey Welsh returned to his first love of painting. “I’m taking a break from music,” he told MetroWest Daily News in 2002. “I really feel the need to reinvent myself and move on, and I couldn’t be happier painting. Music is still an important part of my life, but I really have no desire to actually play it.”
Sadly, it seems that Mikey Welsh’s career has been cut short. Reports are emerging from the United States that the bass player was found dead in his hotel room at the tragically early age of 40.
In a tribute to Mikey Welsh on the band’s official website Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo wrote:
“It saddens me and the guys in Weezer so much to say that our beautiful, creative, hilarious and sweet friend Mikey Welsh has passed away at the very young age of 40. A unique talent, a deeply loving friend and father, and a great artist is gone, but we will never forget him. His chapter in the weezer story (’98 – ’01) was vital, essential, wild, and amazing.”
Read the full tribute HERE.
