Grandaddy bassist Kevin Garcia, RIP

Very sad news: Grandaddy bassist Kevin Garcia died after suffering a massive stroke. He was 41. Grandaddy shared the new via Facebook:

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.

We’ll have more to say in the days ahead. Right now the four of us are grieving together. With great sadness and love, Grandaddy

There is a gofundme for those who’d like to help with his family’s coming expenses. Rest in peace, Kevin.

Grandaddy were just in NYC in March, supporting their first new album in over a decade. The band were set to start touring again on the West Coast this weekend.

UPDATE: No surprise but those upcoming North American dates have been canceled. “Given the circumstances, we unfortunately have to cancel our upcoming U.S. tour dates,” the band said in a statement. “We hope to reschedule these at some point in the future.” European dates scheduled for later this spring, including Primavera Sound, are currently still on. All dates are listed below.

Grandaddy – 2017 Tour Dates
05-04 Vancouver, British Columbia – Imperial
05-08 Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
05-09 Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
05-11 San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom
05-12 Los Angeles, CA – Fonda Theatre
05-13 Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s
05-31 Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound Festival
06-02 Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound Festival
06-04 Milan, Italy – Magnolia
06-05 Sestri Levante, Italy – Teatro Arena Conchiglia