Power Trip frontman Riley Gale dies aged 34

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Texas thrash-metal band confirm death of vocalist

Riley Gale of Power Trip
(Image credit: Future)

Riley Gale, frontman for Texas thrash-metal band Power Trip, has died aged 34.

His bandmates confirmed the news on social media, posting a statement which reads: “Rest in peace to our brother and bandmate, Riley Gale.

“It is with the greatest of sadness we must announce that our lead singer and brother Riley Gale passed away last night.

“Riley was a friend, a brother, a son. Riley was both a larger than life rock star and a humble and giving friend. He touched so many lives through his lyrics and through his huge heart. He treated everyone he met as a friend and he always took care of his friends.

“We will celebrate Riley's life and never forget the great works of music, charity, and love that he left behind. You, the fans, meant so much to him, please know how special you are. If you have a memory of Riley please share it, no matter how small, as we remember him.”

The band closed by asking fans to send donations to Dallas Hope Charities in lieu of flowers.

No cause of death has been announced.

Gale founded Power Trip in 2008 with guitarists Blake Ibanez and Nick Stewart, bassist Chris Whetzel and drummer Chris Ulsh.

The band won critical acclaim for their authentic take on classic thrash and hardcore, documented with two studio albums on Southern Lord Records, 2013’s Manifest Decimation and 2017’s Nightmare Logic.

Guitarists and musicians from the metal community have paid tribute to Gale on social media. We’ve shared a selection below.

Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Editor-in-Chief, GuitarWorld.com

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.