iStock/amriphotoSid McCray, the original vocalist for hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains, has died.
The news of McCray’s passing was announced by his family with a GoFundMe campaign seeking burial assistance. Neither the cause of death nor McCray’s age were announced.
“[McCray] is remembered and loved by seven children, family, friends, his former band members and a host of loyal fans,” the page reads.
The Bad Brains Facebook page shared a link to the fundraiser, along with the caption, “R.I.P to the Don, my brother — sail on.”
McCray was a founding member of Bad Brains when the band formed as a jazz fusion group in the mid-70s under the name Mind Power. According to The Baltimore Sun, it was McCray who originally introduced his band mates to punk, which led them to the hardcore sound Bad Brains are now known for.
Following McCray’s departure from Bad Brains in 1978, band member H.R. took over lead vocals, and remains the group’s singer to this day.
By Josh Johnson
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