Drivers,
Almost a decade ago I attended my first Warped Tour. The event that year was spectacular, boasting a lineup including Shai Hulud, Thursday (who were touring in support of Full Collapse), Taking Back Sunday (who were touring in support of Tell All Your Friends), Hot Water Music, and a slew of other artists. One of my personal highlights of the day was after frying all day in the sun, cooling off in the sun shower while watching No Use For A Name perform in the early afternoon. The punk band from San Jose, California played an excellent set and even had a small meet and greet following the performance. The group was extremely gracious and friendly taking pictures and signing autographs for everyone.
Fast forward to this year and the band was still going strong and in the midst of a tour until July 31st. It was on this unfortunate day that Tony Sly, the vocalist-guitarist of No Use For A Name was found dead from undisclosed causes. The punk-rock hero from the Bay Area punk scene was only 41 years old. He will be best remembered for leading No Use For A Name. The San Jose resident was also working an his solo endeavors including an upcoming tour with Joey Cape of Lagwagon. The news of Sly's passing was made public through the San Francisco label Fat Wreck Chords that had handled No Use For A Name's catalog since the early 1990s. Sly's last performance with No Use For A Name was in June in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. His last solo gig was in Gainesville, Florida on July 29th - just two days before he died.
It's unknown whether No Use For A Name will attempt to con tune on without Sly. Tony's brother Mike has set up a memorial fund which you can check it out here to find out how to donate and help.
-Marshal Montgomery Drive