REM’s drummer Bill Rieflin has died at the age of after a battle with cancer.
His King Crimson bandmate Robert Fripp confirmed the tragic news on Facebook .
Bill had worked with some of music’s biggest legends during his glittering career, from Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell to Robbie Williams.
REM also put out a statement confirming his death, with frontman Michael Stipe writing: “Bill Rieflin (2008 – 2020.
“It is with heavy hearts we acknowledge the death of our dear friend and consummate drummer, bill.
“Bill sent me this picture last week of him and Lenny Kaye earlier this month when the Patti Smith Group were in town and they got to hang out.
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – AUGUST : Bill Rieflin of REM performs at Old Trafford on August , in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest / WireImage) (Image: WireImage)
“He was elated to see such great friends and gather at his favorite weird Chinese-American diner. A forever memory is decades old, when I first met Bill at a late night Policeman’s bar in Seattle, sat at a greasy table drinking scotch, and we listened to ‘Birdland’ off the jukebox in reverent silence and awe.
The Drummer’s REM bandmates have paid tribute to Bill in a statement
“His attentiveness.” to that song then and there indicated a lot to me about what it would be to work with Bill— which commenced to create some magical and beautiful collaborations and life long friendships. “
Michael added:” He is among all the fine points of the stars and we are looking up with love— and with our own reverence for his beauty, his humor, his relentless curiosity and of course his incredible musical ear, his time here with us so precious and golden. “
Bill performed with REM
Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, who Bill knew as a friend, paid tribute writing: “So sorry to hear of Bill Rieflin passing away. A straight up person and excellent musician.”
Bill started his musical career with The Telepaths and The Blackouts in the 701 s in Seattle.
He later joined Ministry in 1986, which tweeted: “Today we lost a wonderful artist, tremendous human being and an integral part of Ministry’s developments and success …
Songwriter, drummer and producer Bill Rieflin has died at the age of
“Safe travels.” my brother on the way to your next universal gig ‘RIP Bill Rieflin # MinistryBand #WeAreMinistry #Ministry #Revco #BillRieflin #RestInPeace. “
(Bill) joined then REM in 2011 and worked on their studio albums Around The Sun, Accelerate and Collapse Into Now on the drums, keyboard and sometimes the guitar.
He left the band in 2019 and in joined prog rock group King Crimson as full-time keyboardist alongside frontman Robert Fripp.
Robert has also paid tribute to Bill, revealing he received the news from the late drummer’s widow.
“: A call from Tracy Rieflin in Seattle. Bill Rieflin flew from this world c. (Pacific, 50) UK, “Robert wrote on Facebook.
” Tracy told Toyah and me that the day was gray, and as Bill flew away the clouds opened, and the skies were blue for about fifteen minutes. Fly well, Brother Bill! My life is immeasurably richer for knowing you. “
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