Daron Beck, singer-keyboardist for the acclaimed synth-doom band Pinkish Black, has sadly died. His death was reported by Relapse Records, which disclosed that Beck passed away from a “medical illness.”
“We at Relapse Records are saddened by the loss of Daron Beck of Pinkish Black and Zombi & Friends from a medical illness,” the statement read. “Daron was a kind, tremendously funny, and gentle soul that made some of the most creative and compelling music ever released on Relapse Records. Our hearts go out to his partner Lisa, mom Debbie, bandmate Jon, and everyone else that was lucky enough to cross paths with him.”
Beck formed the duo Pinkish Black with drummer/synth player Jon Teague out of the ashes of the band The Great Tyrant following the tragic suicide of the latter act’s bassist Tommy Atkins.
Pinkish Black released their self-titled debut album in 2012, then signed with Century Media for 2013’s Razed to the Ground. After inking a deal with Relapse, they released 2015’s Bottom of the Morning and 2019’s Concept Unification. In 2020, the band joined forces with the avant-jazz outfit Yells at Eels for the collaborative album Vanishing Light in the Tunnel of Dreams.
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Back in August 2018, a then 42-year-old Beck revealed that he had suffered two heart attacks that month, telling Fort Worth Weekly, “My dad had his first attack at 44 … I’ve been smoking close to two packs a day since I started smoking when I was 11. And I ate a lot of beef.” He went on to mention that he planned to quit smoking and drinking, and live a healthier lifestyle.
Beck was also a member of the collective Zombi & Friends, which covered late ’70s and early ’80s soft rock songs or a series of compilations via Relapse.
Our condolences go out to Daron Beck’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. A couple of Pinkish Black’s music videos can be seen below.