Josef Bansuelo 7seconds rip
photo via Kevin Seconds

Josef Bansuelo, former 7Seconds bassist, RIP

Josef Bansuelo, former bassist for punk/melodic hardcore greats 7Seconds, has passed away after battling cancer. He was 63. Kevin Seconds confirms the news in a Facebook post, which you can read in full below. He wrote in part, “Joe was in 7Seconds for a fairly short period but his presence, energy and musicianship impacted the band enormously.”

“He was smart, funny and always a joy to tour with,” Kevin continued. “My heart goes out to Joe’s family, friends, bandmates and to all 7Seconds supporters. I am deeply sorry for our loss.”

Joe was a member in the mid ’80s and played on the New Wind and Praise records. That’s a full-concert video of the band playing with Joe in 1986 in Tampa above, and you can watch more live footage and listen to the studio recordings Joe made with 7Seconds below. “He played bass on our New Wind and Praise records and did an incredible job at helping to patch up holes left from Steve Youth’s temporary departure and did so with much class and reverence,” Kevin Seconds said.

A GoFundMe had also been launched to help Joe with his cancer battle, and that same campaign is now a fundraiser to help Joe’s family with funeral expenses. It reads:

It is with deep sadness that I write to let folks know that Joe passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, May 25. He was at home with his partner Gaea and son Joaquin at his side. Joe had been in the hospital earlier that week for about four days without visitors, but was finally able to return home on Friday and managed to see Joaquin graduate from Skyline High School. It was a surprise that his condition deteriorated so quickly once home, but a few close friends managed to visit and say goodbye. It goes without saying that his family and friends are simply crushed.

Reaching out for help is neither easy nor comfortable. Your responses will make it worthwhile. Please contribute anything that you can to help Gaea and Joaquin during this difficult time.

Kevin Seconds’ full statement (via Facebook):

I just got word that my friend and ex-band brother Joe Bansuelo lost his battle with cancer. I had been informed in recent days by close friends that he was in hospice and not doing well so this isn’t a complete shock but I am stunned and at a loss of words at the moment.

Joe was in 7Seconds for a fairly short period but his presence, energy and musicianship impacted the band enormously. He played bass on our New Wind and Praise records and did an incredible job at helping to patch up holes left from Steve Youth’s temporary departure and did so with much class and reverence.

He was smart, funny and always a joy to tour with.

My heart goes out to Joe’s family, friends, bandmates and to all 7Seconds supporters. I am deeply sorry for our loss.

Rest up, Joe. I love you.

More live videos and streams of New Wind and Praise

Rest in peace, Joe.