Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes Frontman Rick Froberg Dies

Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes Frontman Rick Froberg Dies at 55 – Guitar.com

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Rick Froberg, the frontman and guitarist for post-hardcore groups Drive By Jehu, Hot Snakes and more, has died at the age of 55.

Froberg’s death was confirmed by longtime collaborator John Reis, who wrote on Instagram: “Rick died suddenly of natural causes last night. His art made life better. The only thing he loved more than art and rock ‘n’ roll was his friends. He will be remembered forever for his creativity, vision and ability to bring beauty into this world. i love you I will miss you for the rest of my life.”

Froberg was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Encinitas. His musical journey began as a teenager playing in various bands in the San Diego area. In 1986 he formed the post-hardcore band Pitchfork with Reis and together released an EP and album in 1990 entitled Eucalyptus.

After Pitchfork disbanded, Froberg and Reis teamed up with members of Night Soil Man to form Drive Like Jehu. With Froberg on vocals and guitar, the group released their eponymous debut album in 1991, followed by 1994’s critically acclaimed Yank Crime. Although the band only released two albums, their music is characterized by odd time signatures and intricate guitar playing, is often credited for their lasting impact on the post-hardcore movement.

While Drive Like Jehu eventually broke up as Reis’ other band, Rocket From the Crypt, grew in popularity, Froberg remained active in the music scene. In 1999 the two reunited and formed Hot Snakes. After releasing three albums in the early 2000s, the band went on hiatus in 2005 before re-forming in 2010 and releasing another album, Jericho Sirens, in 2018.

A few weeks ago, the musician posted on his Instagram account that a fifth Hot Snakes record was “almost done.” Beyond his musical pursuits, Froberg was also known for creating album covers and merchandise designs for all of his bands, as well as for Rocket from the Crypt and Reis’ Swami Records label.

Following the news of Froberg’s death, numerous tributes poured in from fellow artists and fans. “I can’t handle this message from Rick Froberg at all,” tweeted Hurry Up’s Maggie Vail. “My favorite band(s) frontman, a jewel of a human being, a million memories and all of them brilliant.”

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