Lou Keller, frontman of New York hardcore band Sick of It All, dies aged 59 | New York
Lou Koller, singer and co-founder of New York hardcore band Sick of It All, has passed away after a battle with cancer, his bandmates announced. Koller was 59 years old.
One social media post A statement on the band’s Instagram page paying tribute to Koller and his work read: “The level of loss we feel right now is overwhelming.”
He added: “We have lost a dear friend and an iconic frontman. Lou had the power to lift everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a wry comment, winning over people from every culture and every corner of the world wherever we played.”
Koller announced in June 2024 that he was suffering from esophageal cancer, which had spread to his stomach. His illness forced the band to cancel their European tour while he received treatment. This year would mark the band’s 40th anniversary.
After intense treatment, including chemotherapy, Koller was declared cancer-free in May 2025, but the cancer returned soon after.
“His battle is now over and he can finally rest. I hope he can still see and feel the beautiful, positive mark he left on the world in some way,” the band’s statement said.
Koller was born and raised in Queens, New York. In 1986, he formed Sick of It All with his younger brother and drummer Armand Majidi and became a major part of the city’s hardcore music scene. Sick of It All has released 12 studio albums and has become popular worldwide through many years of concert touring, gaining a passionate audience for their work.
