Former Spiritbox bassist Bill Crook dies, sparking a flood of tributes ...

The Vancouver music community is mourning the passing of Bill Crook, known for his bass playing with acts such as Spiritbox, A Textbook Tragedy, and Living With Lions. His death, the cause of which has not been revealed, has been confirmed by Spiritbox’s record label Pale Box, which took to X to post: “Please give the band and members time and space to process their loss. RIP Bill.”

Crook was a fixture in the West Coast metal and hardcore community, his most high-profile gig being his membership in Spiritbox from 2018 to 2022. He was also a friend and inspiration to acts across North North America, his history including collaborations with members of Misery Signals and Underoath, and bands like Comeback Kid.

Kai Turmann, who played with Crook in A Textbook Tragedy, was one of the first to break the news on social media, posting a message on Instagram accompanied by the note, “Our dear friend Bill Crook has passed away. There will be lots of memories shared in the coming days, weeks, and months. For now, his mom has asked me to inform everyone.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zLHFpxppg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Crook’s friends, peers, and admirers have been quick to share their condolences and grief—as well as their love—on social media.

Throwback country singer Vanessa Dee wrote a devastatingly heartfelt note: “I shouldn’t be making this post, we spoke this weekend. It’s our birthday week next week, we should be calling each other drunk and laughing. Twenty-two years of friendship means you were in my life so much longer than you weren’t, and I am grateful. And angry at you, and crushed, and just hoping you can see how incredibly dear and important you were to everyone who loved you.”

Fake Shark frontman Kevin Maher said, “Shocked and devastated. I’ll miss you buddy. Always so much fun playing shows with you and going to shows with you.”

And friend Ali Lles wrote: “We lost a real one. Rest in paradise Bill Crook, you are such a beauty of a human. One of the funniest people I have ever met, a talented musician and barber, and an amazing friend and advocate for others. Please hug your buddies tight. I hope there is Mountain Dew and country bars wherever you are.”

Here’s how others, both in Vancouver and around the world, are remembering Crook.

https://twitter.com/Daviddtd_/status/1816145382768075179https://twitter.com/ThousandAbove/status/1816129200811913554https://twitter.com/xMorganLeFayy/status/1816295453249749291https://twitter.com/AinurIsLive/status/1816424409218822525https://twitter.com/NauticalTank/status/1816453576421433395