Steve Soto (Adolescents, Agent Orange, etc), RIP
Punk legend Steve Soto sadly passed away yesterday (6/27). He was 54. Steve was an original (but brief) member of Agent Orange and an original member of the Adolescents, with whom he remained the only constant member throughout their career to present day. The band had just wrapped up a tour that hit NYC’s Brooklyn Bazaar last Saturday (6/23). Steve also played in Manic Hispanic, Joyride, 22 Jacks and other projects over the years.
Collaborator Greg Antista broke the news on Facebook, writing, “I’m sorry to break such bad news in such an impersonal way but the family of Steve Soto would like everyone to know that he passed peacefully in his sleep today. I’m sure this is a terrible blow to all of you. He will be missed. We will be posting details on a memorial as plans are finalized.” No cause of death has been revealed at this time.
The Adolescents posted on Twitter, “with heavy heart i share the passing of steve soto, my friend and bandmate since 1979. i dont know what to do. or to say. goodbye my brother.”
Several other bands and musicians have paid tribute, including The Offspring, Rancid, Bad Religion, Social Distortion, The Vandals, Suicidal Tendencies, Brendan Kelly (The Lawrence Arms, The Falcon), Frenzal Rhomb, War On Women, Night Birds, Frank Turner, The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s Anton Newcombe, producer/Goldfinger member John Feldmann, and more. See their tributes below.
Rest in peace, Steve. You’ll be missed, and your impact on punk and music in general will live on.
Revisit some of Steve’s classics below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYl8wkE5w10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9gfP2DCp3g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDV1mx1Rwko
with heavy heart i share the passing of steve soto, my friend and bandmate since 1979. i dont know what to do. or to say.
goodbye my brother.
— The Adolescents (@TheAdolescents) June 28, 2018
We are devastated by the news of Steve Soto’s passing. He played in so many great bands, was a great bass player, guitar player, & singer, but mostly he was just an honest & sweet guy. He was our hero in the Adolescents and an inspiration to us as musicians. #heartbroken
— The Offspring (@offspring) June 28, 2018
When you talk about California punk Rock and Punk Rock in general, Steve Soto will forever be on top of the list of people who put it on the map. He 100% helped pave the way for all of us who decided to pick up an instrument and play our version of Punk. You will be missed. RIP pic.twitter.com/usYcaYLPxC
— RANCID (@Rancid) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto, fellow traveler, founding member of @TheAdolescents and Agent Orange. Our hearts go out to family, friends, & the fans. You died too young but your music will live forever. pic.twitter.com/knhUB4n87x
— Bad Religion (@badreligion) June 28, 2018
I’ve known Steve since 1979 in the first and original lineup of Agent Orange. Then the Adolescents opened the door for Social D. He was always kind and always positive. pic.twitter.com/uSH8e3tPcZ
— Social Distortion (@SocialD1) June 28, 2018
He will go down in my memory as one of the pioneers not only in the Orange County music scene, but the world. All my love and respect, Mike Ness
— Social Distortion (@SocialD1) June 28, 2018
We are truly at a loss for words to hear about the passing of our great friend Steve Soto. The nicest guy in punk rock. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
RIP #SteveSoto ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4Cs1cCyBqD— The Vandals! (@TheVandals) June 28, 2018
Two years ago with Adolescents in Germany…. RIP Steve Soto: Much love & massive respect. – SxTx pic.twitter.com/WWuFdxB4Cz
— SUICIDAL TENDENCIES (@OFFICIALSTIG) June 28, 2018
In 2008, I toured in the USA with Steve Soto & The Twisted Hearts. I was opening the shows but Steve and his band also learned my songs. Woke up to the sad news of his passing. RIP – a generous, sweet man and a punk legend.
— Frank Turner (@frankturner) June 28, 2018
rest in power, man my heart goes out to any and all that loved that guy and his work
— anton newcombe (@antonnewcombe) June 28, 2018
So sorry Tony. A true legend and total sweetheart who will be greatly missed.
— NIGHT BIRDS (@NGHTBRDS) June 28, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. We feel lucky to have met Steve, he was so kind to us last summer. He was supportive and funny and talented. He will be missed. 💙
— War On Women (@WarOnWomenband) June 28, 2018
Ah shit. RIP, Steve Soto. You were one of the good ones.
— Brendan Kelly: Juggalo (@badsandwich) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto. From @TheAdolescents, 22 Jacks, and just general good times. What a legend. Vale. https://t.co/pyTaoSbLyi
— Frenzal Rhomb (@Frenzalofficial) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto
— John Feldmann (@JohnFeldy) June 28, 2018
We are shocked & saddened to confirm that our wonderful friend Steve Soto passed away in his sleep. An immeasurable loss to music & humanity, the shock has yet to really sink in…
— Frontier Records (@frontierrcds) June 28, 2018
UPDATE: Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, etc) posted a lengthy and touching tribute that’s very worth reading:
Steve Soto was one of the kindest, most talented and effortlessly cool people I’ve ever met. With his band The Adolescents he helped create the blueprint for punk rock as we know it, when I was 16 they were my Beatles. Soon after I had the awesome luck of touring with Steve and the Adolescents when I was in Youth Of Today and still an adolescent myself. As a fellow bass player, Steve took me under his wing and generously shared with me his wisdom of the road and many amazing stories from the early days of punk in LA that he’d experienced first hand. I’d visit him in their RV each day to shoot the shit and hopefully glean more details about Darby Crash, X, early Go Go’s, Black Flag, etc., he’d seen all the bands and knew all the people, he was one of them. Getting to know Steve was like punk rock finishing school for me and I was learning from the best. I’ll always cherish these memories of Steve, he was a truly great guy and gone too soon
—
https://www.instagram.com/p/BklTbj2BRN6/
