Singer/guitarist Col. Bruce Hampton, the Aquarium Rescue Unit founder who grew into a godfather of the modern jamband scene, passed away earlier this morning. He was 70.
A staple of the Southeast music scene, Hampton—who celebrated his birthday on April 30—collapsed onstage while performing “Turn on Your Lovelight” with an all-star cast a Atlanta’s Fox Theatre at the end of his own tribute show, “Hampton 70.” The evening featured a multi-generational cast, including: Widespread Panic’s John Bell, Dave Schools, Duane Trucks and Jimmy Herring, Phish’s Jon Fishman, R.E.M’s Peter Buck, Karl Denson, Leftover Salmon’s Drew Emmitt, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Warren Haynes, Drivin’ N Cryin’ frontman Kevn Kinney, Johnny Knapp, Chuck Leavell, T. Hardy Morris, Brandon Niederauer, John Popper, Frank Zappa associate Denny Walley, Oliver Wood, actor Billy Bob Thornton, Cy Young winner Jake Peavy and others. The breathe of performers spoke to Hampton’s far-reaching influence.
After Hampton passed out, the Fox’s curtain was pulled closed and the singer/guitarist was rushed to Atlanta’s Crawford Long Hospital. An official announcement states, “After collapsing on stage surrounded by his friends, family, fans and the people he loved Col. Bruce Hampton has passed away. The family is asking for respect and privacy at this difficult time.”
Hampton’s onetime bandmate Mosier was one of the first musicians to confirm his passing, writing: “I feel so blessed to have been there tonight and be a part of the greatest gathering of friends and loved ones. I’ve never seen Bruce happier. I’ve never been sadder. I’ve dreaded this day for years, but could have never imagined a more joyful departure. I feel so lost.” Both Tedeschi Trucks Band and Widespread Panic shared his families words shortly after his death was confirmed.
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