ITP V.026 ONLY ONE PER COFFIN: R.I.P. LOU KOLLER (VOCALIST SICK OF IT ALL)

 

 

 

 LOU KOLLER, vocalist for NEW YORK HARDCORE legends SICK OF IT ALL has died after a battle with cancer at 59. 

 

 

 SICK OF IT ALL last released "WAKE THE SLEEPING DRAGON", 11/2/2018 via FAT WRECK CHORDS and CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS. 

 

 

 

FROM 23 PUNK: 

 

Sick Of It All vocalist Lou Koller has passed away at the age of 59.

“It's with unbelievable sadness that we announce to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller. The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming. This year would have marked Sick of it All's 40th anniversary as a band, and Lou's camaraderie, commitment and enthusiasm were always steadfast throughout the years. We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman. Lou had the power to raise everyone's spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over wherever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world.

At this time of intense grief, we must again acknowledge the great help and support offered by everyone who donated to Lou's medical fund. You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he battled away these last two years. His battle is over now and he can finally rest. Hopefully he can somehow still see and feel the beautiful, positive mark he left on the world.” - Sick Of It All

Rest in peace, Lou

July 15, 1967 – July 24, 2026 

FROM DROPKICK MURPHY S

: Rest in peace old friend. We were all lucky to have known you, traveled with you and shared many stages with you. Music lost one of its best today. One of the real good guys

 

 FROM HEAVEN SHALL BURN: 

 This loss is immeasurable. Both musically and humanly. We remember our first joint tour with SICK OF IT ALL We had a hype, but actually not much idea about anything. That's how we met untrained amateurs to the legendary Sick Of It All. Lou took us right away as we are, no attitude from above, no competition, but honest and authentic words and actions at eye level. We learned a lot from him about integrity, respect, and above all, how to deal with people. Whether a bum, a king, a fan, or bitter enemies, he always had the right approach and attitude. We still cherish these formative experiences today. Thank you very much for everything Lou, it breaks our hearts. But above all, we think of your family, your band, and your closest friends. We are simply grateful to have met you and had the honor of sharing the stages of this world with you. We have never seen a bad show from you, we also don't know anyone or someone who has heard of a bad show from you! And you have a very big share of this true legend! Role model. Inspiring. Immortal.

 

FROM PRONG: 

 One of the true greats and heroes of the New York music scene has passed . This hits close to home. It seems like yesterday when I mixed Sick Of It All’s first shows at CBGB. Lou was ALWAYS nice to me . A true gentleman. The band of course kicked major ass from the start. Prong were lucky to play along side them on several occasions ; we started out around the same time . Through the years we ran into each other playing festivals in Europe. I was always so proud of them; being from Flushing like myself.I probably hung out with those guys more than any other band from back in the day. Lou was a lot of fun. He’s going to be missed by everyone. R.I.P

 

 FROM MAD TOUR BOOKING: 

 

We needed the night to process this heartbreaking news and gather our thoughts. Even now, we are still trying to find the right words. We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tremendous loss. Last night, we received the heartbreaking news of Lou’s passing. We needed time to process it before finding the right words.

Today, we’re not only saying goodbye to an incredible musician, but to a longtime friend.

Lou was kind, humble, genuine, and always there for the people around him. His music, his voice, his smile, and his heart left a mark on generations of fans around the world.

With Sick of It All, he inspired countless people—not by chasing success, but by living his dream with honesty, passion, and integrity.

Our thoughts are with Pete, Lou’s family, and everyone in the Sick of It All family during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you, Lou, for everything you gave to this world. You will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace. MAD FAMILY

 

 

FROM BIOHAZARD: 

 

With heavy hearts we say good bye to our friend and brother Lou Koller. Since the beginning of Biohazard we’ve shared many great times, laughs, stories and stages with Lou and Sick of It All. We all lost one of the best! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and band mates! #fuckcancer

Rest in peace brother. 

FROM GARY HOLT (EXODUS): 

RIP Lou. First time I ever laid eyes on this band, Exodus did a run of east coast gigs around the Impact album. I wore my “Blood, sweat and no tears” shirt on stage for many shows. Great dude and amazing front man, hardcore legend. Sympathies to SICK OF IT ALL and all their friends and family from all of Exodus 

 

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal R.I.P.