Rick Froberg, the frontman and guitarist of post-hardcore bands Drive By Jehu, Hot Snakes, and more, has tragically passed away at the age of 55. The news was confirmed by longtime collaborator John Reis, who took to Instagram to announce the sad news and pay tribute to his friend.
Reis wrote, “Rick passed away suddenly last night from natural causes. His art made life better. The only thing he loved more than art and rock n roll was his friends. He will forever be remembered for his creativity, vision, and his ability to bring beauty into this world. I love you, Rick. I will miss you for the rest of my life.”
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Encinitas, Froberg started his musical journey as a teenager, playing in various bands in the San Diego area. In 1986, he co-formed the post-hardcore band Pitchfork with Reis. Together, they released an EP and an album titled Eucalyptus in 1990.
After Pitchfork disbanded, Froberg and Reis joined forces with members of Night Soil Man to form Drive Like Jehu. As the singer and guitarist of the group, Froberg played a pivotal role in their success. They released their eponymous debut album in 1991, followed by the critically acclaimed Yank Crime in 1994. Despite only having two albums under their belt, Drive Like Jehu’s unique sound—characterized by odd time signatures and intricate guitar playing—left a lasting impact on the post-hardcore movement.
While Drive Like Jehu eventually disbanded, Froberg remained active in the music scene. In 1999, he and Reis reunited to form Hot Snakes. They released three albums in the early 2000s before going on hiatus in 2005. The band reformed in 2010 and released another album, Jericho Sirens, in 2018.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Froberg shared on his Instagram account that a fifth Hot Snakes record was “very nearly done”. Beyond his contributions as a musician, Froberg was also known for his talent in creating album art and merchandise designs for his bands, as well as for Rocket from the Crypt and Reis’ Swami Records label.
News of Froberg’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists and fans. Maggie Vail of Hurry Up tweeted, “I cannot, at all, handle this Rick Froberg news. Front person of my favorite band(s), gem of a human, a million memories and all of them brilliant.” Others have praised his musical genius, fondly remembering his performances and noting his immense influence on the genre.
Rick Froberg leaves behind a significant legacy in the world of post-hardcore music. His untimely passing is a profound loss for the music community, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.