Rest in peace Jack Terricloth of World/Inferno Friendship Society
We are sad to report that Jack Terricloth, who has led Brooklyn’s unpidgeonholable World/Inferno Friendship Society for 25 years, has died at age 50. From the band:
We are devastated to say that our guiding spirit, instigator, inciter—the person who, to most of us, lived under the name Jack Terricloth—has left us for the astral plane. We will be working on plans for a celebration of his extraordinary life. For now, we want to thank Jack for inspiring this remarkable community—something more than simply band, family, or scene—which changed the lives of so many people in ways which are hard to articulate, and which is perhaps the most enduring part of his legacy. Please raise a glass of your choice in his memory; we shall not see his like again.
Born Pietro Ventantonio in 1970, he was first a member of Bridgewater, NJ punk band Sticks and Stones in the late ’80s and early ’90s before forming World/Inferno F.S. The band’s first album was 1997’s The True Story of the Bridgewater Astral League and they’d go on to release six more albums, the most recent of which was 2020’s All Borders Are Porous to Cats. Jack was the sole constant in the group, which saw over 40 members pass through over the years. More than their albums, the band were famous for their theatrical live shows, especially their annual Hallowmas shows which were always elaborate spectacles that, like Jack, were one of a kind.
Rest in peace, Jack.
Read a few tribute from Laura Jane Grace, Jeff Rosenstock, Craig Finn, Franz Nicolay, Damian Abraham, Michael Grace (My Favorite) and more, below.
Jack Terricloth changed my life more than anyone outside my immediate family, in ways I'm still reckoning with. At his best, he was the most electric performer I've ever seen. We shall not see his like again. pic.twitter.com/RpXcVNxkpj
— Franz Nicolay (@FranzNicolay) May 14, 2021
Rest in peace Jack Terricloth, one of the best ever to do it. Watching him in World/Inferno made me want to be in a band again. Kind, smart and funny. An unstoppable performer. Gone way too soon.https://t.co/zf0vUC1C0h
— Jeff Rosenstock (@jeffrosenstock) May 14, 2021
If you ever met Jack Terricloth you were left inspired knowing someone like him was out there walking the earth. To know that he is now gone I am left inspired knowing someone like him was possible. I wish he wasn’t gone. Thankful for the miles & memories. pic.twitter.com/tYUcGl5K2A
— Laura Jane Grace (@LauraJaneGrace) May 14, 2021
RIP to Jack Terricloth, an incredible frontman and performer and a one of a kind person. Sending love to his family and friends. https://t.co/Khne9IwwIb
— Craig Finn (@steadycraig) May 14, 2021
RIP Pietro Ventantonio AKA Jack Terricloth
Such an incredibly important presence in punk. Sticks And Stones on repeat
— Damian Abraham (@leftfordamian) May 14, 2021
r.i.p. Jack Terricloth, World/Inferno Friendship Society pic.twitter.com/UxVo8lcCb3
— ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS (@AltTentacles) May 14, 2021
Just lost a dear friend. 260 characters isn’t enough for a badass like Pete V., aka Jack Terricloth of World Inferno Friendship Society, but it’s just enough for me to say I’m going to miss him. June 11 will be your 51st birthday. I’m raising a glass to you that day, bruh. pic.twitter.com/ILA2BzgVUo
— Daryle Lamont Jenkins (@DLamontJenkins) May 14, 2021
RIP Jack Terricloth. Maybe the greatest frontman ever. an insane talent. The world is now less fun. Brutal.
— John Gentile (@johngentile) May 14, 2021