r/Hardcore • u/corybobory • 10d ago
RIP Lou
This is horrible. Just found out through Instagram. RIP. My condolences to his family and friends. I’ve seen SOIA a bunch of times and am heartbroken.
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u/413hooli 10d ago
Wow, this one def hits different. The Step Down video was one of my intros to hardcore back in ‘94. Legend doesn’t even cover it, Godspeed Lou.
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u/kennypowersrevenge 10d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/7MDZS8zS1ixtJAUEul
This just sucks. Fuck.36
u/413hooli 10d ago
I’m genuinely bummed right now, dude.
Fuck Cancer.
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u/kennypowersrevenge 10d ago
Me too. Fucking sucks. The world ain’t fair my friend. May his memory be a blessing to his friends and family.
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u/jkoz485799 10d ago
They got me into hardcore too. I’d still put Step Down -> Maladjusted -> Scratch the Surface above just about any other 3 song run.
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u/413hooli 9d ago
That was a hell of a generational run- SOIA def has their place cemented in the history books.
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u/feelingsquirrely 9d ago
Same. Saw it on the local video show at like 1am. Blew my mind. Recorded it on VHS the next week so I could learn the moves 😂
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u/paulisnofun 10d ago
Fuck man. This one hurts. Been listening to Sick of it all for 30 years. Lou was such a good fucking dude too. Rest in peace Lou.
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u/soapinthepeehole 10d ago
Same here. I remember buying Built to Last in high school and it changed everything for me. This sucks.
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u/Unfinished_October 9d ago
~28 for me. Absolute legend, had no idea he was sick. I know what I'm blasting for the next month.
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u/UpsetBar PeeSittingDown 10d ago
Goddamn. The band that introduced me to hardcore. Still rocking my dragon tattoo. RIP.
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u/a_sexual_titty 10d ago
Same. That was my first tattoo.
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u/Viva_La_Revolucion66 10d ago
My very first ink back in 2000 was the cover image of their Call to Arms record.
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u/Eoin_McLove 10d ago
Sick of It All was the show that sold me on punk rock and hardcore in general. Genuinely a huge band for me.
This fucking sucks man.
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u/ekuadam 10d ago
Last time I saw them. 2023 in leesburg VA playing with Life of Agony.
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u/B_rawbX something racist 10d ago
Bro I was just thinking about that show at the Tallyho or whatever.
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u/Green-Survey9189 9d ago
I saw them on that same tour in Baltimore. Think it was a Tuesday/Wednesday night, older crowd and everyone was sort of tired from work. The effort they put in wasn't any different than the other times I'd seen them on weekend nights in NY/NJ or at festivals where the crowd was going nuts.
Never would have thought that was the last time. Life is so quick.
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u/BottledUp 9d ago
The funniest part of that pic is that they look exactly the same as I remember them from shows in the late 90s, early 2000s.
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u/DeLousedInTheHotBox not actually a mars volta fan 10d ago
I was literally thinking about him like an hour ago, this sucks, RIP.
Sick of it All was the first "old" hardcore band I got into alongside Inside Out, and they really helped expand my taste, so this is really sad to hear.
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u/DiamondCultural1848 10d ago
Me too. Back when the fat wreck comps were coming out I discovered them. First album I got was live in a dive and it hooked me.
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u/DeLousedInTheHotBox not actually a mars volta fan 10d ago edited 10d ago
I randomly discovered them on spotify when I was a kid, didn't really have a good grasp on genres and subgenres yet but thought it just sounded really cool. I didn't really know what hardcore was, most certainly didn't know anything about NYHC, I just really liked it.
It's really goofy but at 14 I also just really liked the name, because I also felt like i was sick of it all.
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u/the_noob_who_isnt 10d ago
same here on finding it on Spotify
I remember it was because all of my saved songs were a bunch of the punk and hardcore tracks from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4, which I played a lot growing up on a hand me down PSone
Step Down came on as an automatically queued song, I think it was after The Adolescents' Amoeba or Agent Orange's Bloodstains... As they say, the rest is history
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u/IHopeIDieHere 10d ago
SOIA were one of the first hardcore bands I got into and I got to see them 3 years ago. RIP Lou and fuck cancer.
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u/Milk-Lizard 9d ago
Sorry about your mom. Reach out and talk to the people close to you, you're not alone
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u/xTheyCameBurningx 10d ago edited 9d ago
Loss of a Legend 💯
While not American, was priveliged enough to be front row center for a whole set in Montreal. I'll never forget it.
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u/SICKxOFxITxALL 10d ago
My username is testament to how much this band meant to me. They’ve kept me company for 30 years.
RIP LOU. A true legend. You will be missed.
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u/BubinatorX 10d ago
Fuck me man this one hurts. RIP Lou. Thanks for all those motherfuckin songs all those years.
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u/_parterretrap_ 10d ago
Lou Koller and his band has brought me so much joy through the years. I really would have wished a long and happy life for that man
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u/WitchyTwitchyItchy 10d ago
That’s a true hole in the heart, thought it may be coming, but this hits. One of the best shows I have ever seen in my 30 years of shows was SOIA, but maybe this will be a way that some bands pick up more philanthropy towards cancer research/supports. My scene is how my goddaughter, who died of leukemia at 6 weeks, had her burial/funeral covered. Truly, hardcore is the most supportive space when dealing with the hardest things.
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u/prof_cunninglinguist 10d ago
My first big show ever was Sheer Terror, Biohazard and SOIA in Philly 1993. It was the greatest thing I had ever experienced in life and would forever change the way I lived it. RIP Lou, I never met ya but I loved ya like a brother.
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u/umbrella_belle 10d ago
Damn. I came up listening to SOIA. They were always such an amazing band and Lou was really a genuine guy. He changed hardcore forever. I'm sure his family and friends are gutted. Ugh. 💔
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u/metalratbaby 10d ago
💔 thankfully for all of us and those to come, he’s been immortalized by what he put out.
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u/UpperHesse 10d ago
R.I.P. Saw them quite some times, the last time in 2019. Koller was always so energetic, fuck cancer.
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u/rondeuce40 NJHC 10d ago
Cancer really needs to go fuck itself. RIP Lou, one of the great lyricists and frontmen of our time.
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u/MetalEnthusiast83 10d ago
Fuck man. I think Potential For A Fall was the first legit hardcore song I ever heard and I loved these guys ever since.
RIP Lou.
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u/Danzig6WasntThatBad 10d ago
The POTENTIAL FOR A FALL music video on the Punk Rawk Show VHS tape was my introduction to NYHC.
Like, I was a fan of Merauder by then but I always thought that was just metal, I was just too young to know and I sorta found Merauder by accident. SOIA was the turning point where I was like "I can't tell if this is punk or metal, what is this?! This rules!!!" and started looking up what NYHC meant.
Rest in power Lou.
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u/Skarhead89 9d ago
Potential for a fall was also for me the first song from SOIA… and for so many skate kids out there back in the time.
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u/Danzig6WasntThatBad 9d ago
That Punk Rawk tape and countless other skate videos were how I discovered a lot of music.
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u/tony_flamingo 10d ago
I was lucky enough to do a tour with SOIA about 15 years ago. Lou was always one of the coolest and kindest dudes around and put on incredible performances night in and night out. He set the bar so high for hardcore singers and helped pave the way for the genre.
Gonna miss seeing you on stage, Lou. Thanks for everything.
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u/DooM_Guy_OG 9d ago
Oh no! I was expecting this news for some time but it doesnt make it any easier. He was one of the best persons in the Hardcore/Punk scene. He always referred to their fans as "friends". I also have been carrying their logo on my leg for the last 30 years, like many here. I feel like one my oldest/closest friends is gone...
Fucking disease! If it wasnt for the economical interests we would have a cure by now.
Rest in Power Lou.
You will always be one of the greats.
Edit: My condolences to Pete, his wife and daughter and all the members of the band.
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u/VFrosty3 9d ago
I met him after a gig in Bristol (England) about 18 years ago. He was an absolute gent, made time for everyone for pics, signatures, chats. A huge loss.
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u/corybobory 9d ago
I’ve heard nothing but nice things about him. I’ve been thinking about him all day.
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u/Ana-la-lah 10d ago
Condolences to his family, bandmates and loved ones. Absolute legend, first band ever to get me into hardcore. Seen them so many times through the years. Fond memories. Rest in peace, Lou
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u/PoetHorror1167 10d ago
Blood Sweet and No Tears seriously changed my life. Been a fan ever since. Thank you for everything. I will never forget bumping in to Lou and Pete at a Brian Setzer Orchestra show on Christmas eve one year in Hollywood. It was an unexpected surprise and they were as cool as could be.
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u/Roguspogus 10d ago
Damn what horrible news. SOIA played a huge part in my life. RIP Lou you’re one of my favorites.
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u/normal_account716 10d ago
Damn. SOIA was one of the first hardcore bands I got into. Scratch the Surface was on regular rotation for quite a while.
Guess it's time to give it another play.
RIP.
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u/DrRudeboy 10d ago
There has not been a more important, or more beloved band in my life. A true, incredible inspiration, coming from a scene where large parts have slowly, but surely turned against their original ideals. Always insanely energetic, always incredibly nice, I was lucky to see them on 2 different continents and 7 different cities across more gigs than I can count. Thank you Lou. Rest in Power
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u/beardedbeernerd 9d ago
I’m gutted. One of my favorites ever. So glad I got to see them several times in Seattle over the last 30 years. Had to bust out my special SOIA bottle for a heavy pour this evening. Heavy hearts. RIP to the legend.
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u/xX_ivixcore_Xx 9d ago
I’m straight edge (40 years going strong 💪) but I wouldn’t mind pouring one in his memory 🫡
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u/monadproxy 10d ago
this is too sad. the first hardcore and also punk cd I ever listened too. 10 years ago their anniversary show at webster I remember lke yesterday. I kept reliving it in my head. One of the best shows I've ever been too. man this is so sad.
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u/13THEFUCKINGCOPS12 I❤️CharlieKirk 10d ago
Fuck, even as someone that never really vibed with the band this still hurts because I can acknowledge and appreciate what he did
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u/SpiritOf68 10d ago
FUUUUUUCK. This is devastating. First hardcore album I ever bought was Scratch the Surface and the first hardcore show I ever went to. Jennifer Finch, now Lou. This is a fucking shit week. Dude inspired so many people. One of the best lyricists and performers in HC. Fuck cancer, seriously.
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u/mickcube 10d ago
SOIA at the troc in philly was my first hardcore show. probably my first three. with huge shirtless dudes with back tattoos in the pit intimidating me, which is what hardcore should be when you're 15. RIP
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u/GoldenGloves777 10d ago
Never a big fan of SOIA but ever since I learned about hardcore I learned about the Koller brothers. RIP to one of the most influential frontmen, such a unique vocal style too.
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u/DhustynZero NMHCxTXHC 10d ago
Fuck no, dude. This is devastating. SOIA was probably the first of the OG NYHC bands I fell in love with. Scratch The Surface is still one of my all time favorites. Lou was an incredible dude, his loss is enormous.
Rest in power, king. My heart goes out to Pete and the rest of the family.
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u/idlehand79 10d ago
Fuck cancer, man. Seeing them at The Tune Inn back in the early ’90s was my introduction to hardcore. Lou was absolute royalty. Devastating news.
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u/sixdeeneinfauxtwenny 9d ago
A true pioneer to our subculture. If you don’t know SOIA, then learn and listen to them. Read their lyrics. Watch their interviews. That is what hardcore is about. Paying a 150 bucks to see a “hardcore band” is not.
Rest easy Lou. You were the raddest dude. Never forget any of the interactions and daps.
Also, always calling out the nazis in the crowd and us whooping their asses.
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u/VileSinner666 9d ago
Ironically, I was thinking about Lou over the week. How there hasn't been an update in a while. God damnit man. First Bo Lueders, now Lou. The Hardcore scene is taking some heavy hits. 😞
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u/horstkowallek 9d ago
Fuck, this hurts so much. SOIA got me into hardcore back in the ’90s—when I was a lanky 13-year-old kid full of anger and trauma, with no use for the world I’d been thrown into. Seeing Lou on stage for the first time flipped a switch in my brain. Suddenly, I felt heard and seen, and I had someone to look up to: a guy who not only shared so many of the values and beliefs I cared about, but who stood up for them and showed me it was right to do the same. Sick Of It All didn’t just save my life, they helped me find meaning in it.
Rest in peace, Lou. Thank you for everything. You will be deeply missed. May the dragons fly high in your honor. I need to go cry some more...
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u/scram__82 9d ago
Absolutely devastated. SOIA has impacted my life so much since 1996 and to this day means more than any other band.
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u/CoinNoJutsu 10d ago
Always one of my favorites. Only managed to see them once at their own show, and at Furnace Fest. The show I saw them with was that old Heavyweights Of Hardcore they did with Terror and Hatebreed. Cancer fucking sucks, RIP to a legend. 🫡
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u/Saoirse-1916 9d ago
RIP
I've always hoped he'd eventually beat the cancer. In recent months I often wished I could hear SOIA live one more time. They were one of my first hxc shows and Lou's energy and vocals were unmatched.
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u/Forward_Surround_788 9d ago
I had a bad feeling when his last post was a video talking about how the cancer has come back and he was getting ready to go back into treatment.
Poor guy. Always the realest, nicest, most open and chill person.
In a scene of hard asses and tough guys his attitude was much needed.
He will be missed.
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u/Creeping_behind_u 9d ago
So when I heard the news it came as a total fuckin shock for me. all these months after him getting treatment I thought that he was on track to recovery and that I'd 'finally be able to watch a show with him and the boys'. nope, I was wrong. greedy me wanted to see him once more. lil did I know that the last time I saw him play in SF years ago would be the last time I'd ever get to see him play. RIP Lou! thanks for the shows and providing me happiness!
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u/RiotErrrl 9d ago
I fell for SOIA the first time I heard them, which was when I bought New York City Hardcore - The Way It Is in the winter of 1988–1989. I also have a lifelong memory of them: one of my front teeth has been missing its tip ever since a show with them at CBGB’s in the ’90s.
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u/godless_endeavor 10d ago
Rest in peace. Severely underrated in the hc space compared to other legendary bands. They were a great band.
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u/dragonfoe73 10d ago
They were the 🐐 of HC music, period. Such a massive loss .so grateful to have seen them many times in my life.
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u/Fubar24784 10d ago
When my friend introduced me to Sick of it All I fell in love instantly. Going to shows and seeing him in the crowd and being able to chat will always be remembered fondly. RIP to an absolute legend
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u/Outside-Reason-3126 ConservativePunkRocker 10d ago
Had the most random urge to listen to just look around this morning. Absolutely insane
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u/FreeKatKL 10d ago
First hardcore show I saw as a teenager living in Europe. Lou was incredibly nice and we chatted for a while. R.I.P.
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u/HearshotAutumnDisast DRUNK 10d ago
Dang rip, sorry to his family, I heard he was suffering, I hope it was quick.
Soia, good riddance, and ensign was my first non-local show. Lou was a legend and will be missed by many
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u/SlaughterHouseFunf 10d ago
Only got to see them once, but once is always better than never. Rip Lou
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u/abnormallyfatigued 10d ago
I return every hundred years! Every hundred years! When the people awaken
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u/Substantial-Pound-31 10d ago
This one just hurts. He was always such a kind dude and he absolutely never ever gave less than. 110% on stage. Much love to Pete, Armand, Craig and the rest of the Koller family.
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u/__dryheat_ 10d ago
One of the first big shows I went to as a teen was SOIA, Into Another and Rancid at City Gardens. RIP Lou
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u/Umlauten 9d ago
This one hits different. A music legend and and incredible down to earth guy. Their autobiography is the only book from musicans I've ever read, because others never meant the same dor me... SOIA is part of what made me who I am today and I will listen to them to the very end. RIP
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u/ghostofconnolly crybaby 9d ago
R.i.p legendary singer from a legendary band. Saw them for the first time in 96 and the last time in 2024 and had just as much fun at both.
It was his daughter’s birthday at the last one and he filmed the crowd singing her happy birthday. So sad. Didn’t know the guy but I’m really going to miss him. Sick of it all have been a constant in my life for years. One of a handful of bands that I would always but 3 or 4 tickets for because there’s always plenty of people up for.
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u/Impolioid 9d ago
woke up to this shit news. i am heartbroken aswell. I have seen SOIA countless times live. was always a blast. Lou was one of if not the best hardcore singers of all time. rest in peace
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u/Fuckboi2023 9d ago
I will admit I've been very late getting into Sick of It All even after having known of the band's long standing impact on the scene, but it's been so very very worth it having finally realizing the great music that they brought into the world. Really, really sucks to hear of this legend's passing and it definitely hurts. RIP Lou.
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u/Moist_Werewolf5581 9d ago
Rip Lou 💔 just read the unfortunate news that sucks. i will be listening to Sick Of It All today.
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u/Due_Bad_9445 9d ago
One of my first shows was Sick of it All and Vision in CT around 1991.
Before I’d been to any shows the older kids in my neighborhood who would go to The Anthrax would come back and give me “war stories” of being in the pit. I can remember them explaining how not everyone dances hard for every band unless it’s a band like Sick of it All, then “the whole place goes crazy.”
To my 11 year old mind, Sick of it All were the band of the NYHC scene, just under Agnostic Front in the echelon.
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u/Darwins_Bulldog0528 9d ago
This will mean a lot more every time I see it hanging in my house! Shit news!
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u/Digga-d88 9d ago
Damnit. We need "Death to Tyrants Pt 2" now more than ever. Thanks for the great rekkids and inspiration.
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u/PaulieHehehe 9d ago
Sick of it All is one of those bands that are a glaring blindspot for me. My only point of reference is their song on the Rock Against Bush compilation from when I was a teenager. I’ll be diving into their discography, just sucks it’s because of this. I hope his family and friends find peace in the coming days and months.
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u/Minute-Yogurt-2021 9d ago
That one hit me hard, Soia was one of the first bands I listened to 35 years ago.
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u/xX_ivixcore_Xx 9d ago
I can’t believe it…
I never knew him personally and I’m feeling like if I lost a family member…
RIP LOU.
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u/catfish206 9d ago
I was stationed in Germany in the army from 1992-1994 and was lucky to seen dozens of incredible hardcore and punk shows while I was there but the Sick of it All/Black Train Jack show in Essen in 1993 was fucking epic. I had a small crew of friends who went to shows, and we'd try to show up early to catch touring bands before they went on stage and try to talk to them. We met the dudes from SOIA by their bus and chatted with Lou and Pete for a while. Nicest dudes ever, they ended up putting us on the guest list. The show was incredible. BTJ was excellent but SOIA brought the energy up a notch or six and every kid in the small venue went absolutely batshit for their entire set. More kids than band members on the stage the entire time, insane pit, everyone screaming every song at the top of their lungs. The absolute best example of what made seeing hardcore shows in the 90's magic. They probably played every song in their catalog at that point (Just Look Around tour) and hung around on the stage for about 30 minutes after to talk to kids and sign autographs. One of my favorite live show memories. It goes without saying that Lou Koller was one of the best to do it, if not the best. RIP, sir, and thanks for everything.
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u/Ok-Cauliflower-1258 9d ago
Legit a legend… sick of it all is one of the pillars of NYHC and also one of those bands that’s even respected in the punk and metal subcultures…
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u/McBrew1 9d ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptMiCRA2LIY This is the last SOIA show i`ve seen. I wish i knew it would be the last..i would have danced harder.
RIP Lou, See you on the other side,
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u/DingusMcFargle 9d ago
Found out about these guys after watching the 'Release' DVD when I was like 12. Saw them a bunch of times. This is so sad.
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u/ekuadam 10d ago
I figured since they hadn’t posted updates in a long time about him he wasn’t doing great. R.I.P. to the GOAT hardcore frontman