Baroness has announced the passing of their founding drummer, Allen Blickle, who was 42 years old. Frontman John Dyer Baizley expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt statement on social media.
“It breaks my heart to share that my dear friend and creative partner, Allen Blickle, passed away a few days ago,” Baizley wrote. “I’m still in shock over his loss. We ask for privacy as his family and our band cope with this tragedy. Allen, I love you and will always cherish the moments we had together.”
While the cause of death has not been revealed, Laura Pleasants from the band Kylesa alluded to Blickle’s health struggles, stating, “I was so heartbroken to hear about the past month. We all thought he had this under control. It’s devastating. I’m glad you are at peace now, my friend.”
Blickle co-founded Baroness in 2003 with Baizley, bassist Summer Welch, and guitarist Tim Loose. Although Loose left shortly after, he was replaced by Blickle’s brother, Brian, who was succeeded by Pete Adams in 2008.
During his time with the band, Blickle contributed to their critically acclaimed albums: ‘Red’ (2007), ‘Blue’ (2009), and ‘Yellow & Green’ (2012). Tragically, in 2013, the band was involved in a serious bus accident that left Blickle and then-bassist Matt Maggioni with fractured vertebrae, leading to their departure the following year.
Reflecting on the experience in a 2013 interview with The Fader, Blickle revealed how the accident changed his perspective on life and impacted his relationships with former bandmates. “After the accident, there was some distance created between us that I regret was mostly my doing. I didn’t know how to cope with what we all went through,” he shared.
After leaving Baroness, Blickle played for various bands, including Romantic Dividends and A Place to Bury Strangers. Most recently, he transitioned to a successful career in television and film, working as a composer and sound designer, with notable contributions to Netflix’s 2020 series We Are The Champions.
