EDDIE Sutton, the lead singer of the New York City band Leeway, has died at the age of 59 after suffering from lung cancer.
The punk metal vocalist died “peacefully in his sleep” on Friday, according to an announcement on Instagram.
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Despite his health battles, the star was scheduled to show at the upcoming This Is Hardcore Festival in Philadelphia.
He entered hospice care at the end of March due to complications from the cancer.
“I’ve now been in hospice care for about 6 days and I’m still trying to prove the professionals wrong and try to keep hope alive,” he wrote in a post last month.
Sutton was diagnosed with cancer years ago, according to an interview with Blabbermouth.
“Now that I’m battling cancer, over two years now, to just play and perform is everything to me. And I think it’s more special now simply because I know this is going to end at some point,” he said in 2022.
“[The cancer] started in my right lung, and I have two masses in the back of my left kidney, the top part, called the adrenal gland. And to be removed: 13 lesions from my brain,” he explained.
But despite his positive outlook, Sutton maintained a realistic outlook on his prognosis.
“I’m winning the fight and battle after battle, but I don’t think I’m gonna be able to win the war,” he said.
A HARDCORE LIFE
Sutton founded Leeway alongside guitarist AJ Novello in 1984.
He was a big part of the force behind the success of the group’s hit heavy metal albums Born To Expire in 1988 and Desperate Measures in 1991.
The band broke up and added new members several times, but hardcore fans stuck along for the ride.
Sutton also fronted the lesser-known metalcore group called Merauder which debuted in 1998.
Although neither band became a household name, their music became influential in the crossover thrash scene.
Crossover thrash is a fusion niche genre of thrash metal and hardcore punk music.
I was basically raised on Leeway, one of my all-time favorites. RIP.
Leeway fan
Leeway scheduled a new tour for later this year in venues across New York City and Europe.
But now, a wake will be held for Sutton on April 23.
Fans quickly responded to the announcement of Sutton’s death with an outpouring of support for his loved ones and his legacy.
“A fearless, game-changing frontman… Eddie’s presence and voice altered the course of hardcore music for the better forever. There will never be another like him,” Hardlore said on Twitter.
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“I was basically raised on Leeway, one of my all-time favorites. RIP,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Rest in Paradise OG… thank you for bringing swag and style to this thing of ours…. All hail the kingpin….” another added.
“Born to Expire was a record that changed everything. You were the greatest, original frontman. I hope your transition is paved with love and light. We loved you, Eddie,” a third posted.
“Thanks for always being there and being an amazing friend. Born to inspire someone wrote. I believe that to be true. And thankfully your music will be here to comfort and inspire us for eternity. Rest easy friend,” a fourth wrote.
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