Founding Baroness Drummer Allen Blickle Dead at 42

Some sad news coming out of the Baroness camp this morning, as their founding drummer Allen Blickle has passed away. He was 42 years old.

News of Blickle’s passing came about through social media, as fellow Georgian and Kylesa vocalist/guitarist Laura Pleasants paid her respects on her Instagram page yesterday.

“Dear Allen… I was so heartbroken when talking w Joe and Summer the other day; finding out how the past month was. I am just gutted, dude. We all thought you had this thing beat. Fuck, we were supposed to hang out when i got back from tour I feel so lucky to have reconnected with you after moving to LA a few years ago. Spending time w you out here, playing music, going to shows, hanging at a pool party, rocking the Hell out to FEAR… getting to know you on a deeper lever was a real privilege. You were a REAL one! So talented, so rad.

“Gone too soon my friend. I’m glad you are at peace and no longer in pain.

“Much love to you.

“RIP Allen Blickle”

There’s no further information about Blickle’s passing, though based on what Pleasants’ post suggests, it was something he’d been dealing with for some time. At this time, neither Baroness nor any of Blickle’s past bandmates from the band have commented on his passing.

Blickle was a major player in Baroness’ early history as a founding member. He helped form the band in Savannah, Georgia alongside frontman Jon Baizley back in 2003. He remained the band’s drummer for ten years, playing on 2007’s Red Album, 2009’s Blue Record, and 2012’s Yellow & Green.

Blickle remained in the band until March 2013, just a few months after he was injured in an August 2012 bus accident while touring Europe. Nine passengers were injured in the accident, with Blickle and then-bassist Matt Maggioni each suffereing fractured vertebrae.

Over the years, Blickle performed with Romantic Dividends, A Place To Bury Strangers, and Alpaca, though most recently he was also busy working in sound design for various TV, film, and video game projects.

We at MetalSucks would like to extend our deepest condolences to Blickle’s loved ones and former bandmates during this incredibly difficult time.