Allen Blickle, Original Baroness Drummer, Dies at 42

Allen Blickle, the original drummer of the Grammy-nominated sludge metal band Baroness, passed away at the age of 42. The news was shared by Baroness frontman John Baizley, who expressed his grief over the loss of a dear friend and creative partner. Blickle co-founded the band in 2003 and was part of the group for their first three albums: ‘Red Album’ (2007), ‘Blue Record’ (2009), and ‘Yellow & Green’ (2012). His departure from the band followed a traumatic tour bus crash in 2012, in which Blickle suffered serious injuries, including fractured vertebrae. Despite the challenges, Blickle remained open about his personal struggles post-accident, and the subsequent tension between him and his bandmates. After leaving Baroness, he explored other musical projects, including bands like A Place to Bury Strangers and Alpaca, and worked in film and TV as a composer and sound designer. His death has left the music community shocked, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians, including Laura Pleasants of Kylesa. While the cause of his death remains undisclosed, Blickle’s contributions to the metal and music scene are remembered fondly by fans and friends alike.