Gregory Slay, the drummer for alternative rock band Remy Zero, died Jan.1. He was 40.
Slay died because of a “lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis,” according to Spinner.com.
Remy Zero, which was formed in Birmingham, Ala., in 1990, got its big break after Radiohead stumbled upon their demo and asked the band to open for Thom Yorke and co. on its U.S. The Bends tour.
Remy Zero released three albums – 1996’s Remy Zero, 1998’s Villa Elaine and 2001’s The Golden Hum – before parting ways in 2003. The band’s hit singles include 1998’s “Prophecy” and 1999’s “Save Me,” which was picked up by The WB (now known as The CW) as the theme song to “Smallville.” The band considered reuniting in 2006 but ultimately chose to remain broken up.
The drummer joined forces with Remy Zero bandmates Jeffrey Cain and Cedric LeMoyne to form the Engine Room, which earned a 2004 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music for the theme song to the FX Series “Nip/Tuck.”
He and Cain recently teamed up on to work on All Things In Time, an album produced for singer-songwriter Eliot Morris, according to Spinner. Slay also formed the band Sleepwell.
Remy Zero released the following statement on the band’s Web site:
“Our beloved friend, partner, brother, master musician, beautiful artist – passed away this morning, January 1, 2010. He was in a peaceful place and surrounded by his family. We are so grateful for the time we were allowed with each other and for the wonderful opportunity to create with him for so many years. Gregory inspired all who had the chance to see him perform, to hear the music that he made or just to be around his bountiful spirit. He will be greatly missed. With our deepest love ... Jeffrey Cain, Cedric LeMoyne, Cinjun Tate and Shelby Tate.”
Click here for Remy Zero’s Web site.
Click here for the Spinner.com article.