Steve Grimmett, the vocalist of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band Grim Reaper, has died at the age of 62.
“We can’t begin to put into words the current feelings,” Steve’s son Russ Grimmet wrote on Facebook. “But as dad was so well known, the news is starting to reach out earlier than we would have liked. Unfortunately, our dad passed away today and leaves a massive hole in the world and our hearts. We are utterly heartbroken sleep tight dad. We always love you xxx.”
With Grim Reaper, Grimmet recorded three albums, See You in Hell (1983), Fear No Evil (1985) and Rock You to Hell (1987), the title track of which appeared in episodes of Beavis and Butt-Head in the ’90s.
The release of their third album was delayed for almost two years due to legal battles with Ebony Records leading to Grim Reaper disbanding in 1988.
Grimmett went on to front Onslaught and Lionsheart, and would then reform the MWOBHM pioneers as Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper in 2006, releasing the album Walking in the Shadows in 2016 and At The Gates in 2019.
In January 2017, Grimmett was hospitalized in Ecuador due to an aggressive infection on his right leg below the knee, resulting in amputation. By April 2017, he was walking with a prosthetic metal leg and would perform on stage again that July.
“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write,” Steve’s wife Millie said, “but it’s with a heavy & shattered heart to say that my beloved Steve died suddenly & unexpectedly on Monday 15th August.
“Wait for me my love. Until we are together again. Your Millie xxx
“(The family appreciate all the messages we’ve had so far but ask that you allow us to morn).”
