No Use For A Name lead singer and guitarist Tony Sly has died. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. He was 41. Sly's bandmate Matt Riddle, broke the news to fans via the group's Facebook page on Wednesday. He wrote:
"i've learned over the years there's really no right way to talk about this stuff. i was kind of hoping it wouldn't get out so fast for his family's sake but it's a little late for that now. i see that this news has gotten around pretty fast. so i wanted to tell you all personally that this morning i found out that yesterday tony passed away. i'm not sure of all the details yet, and i don't think that's really important. what's important is i lost a great friend and you lost a great songwriter. i've been playing with him for 15 years? 16? i haven't processed it yet. i've been on the phone all day with friends and family. i'm not looking forward to it sinking in. i'm worried sick for his wife and kids. i knew tony very well and he would definitely want to thank you for all the love and support for both no use and his solo career. if this doesn't sound like a professional statement, it's because it's not. it's just me venting and i wanted to let you guys know personally."
A number of Sly's contemporaries expressed their sadness over his passing via their Twitter pages.
Noodles from The Offspring wrote: "So sad to hear of Tony Sly's passing. One of the nicest guys ever. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. He'll be greatly missed. -N"
The Ataris wrote: "Tony sly, you wrote some solid songs. When we were just starting out, you generously let us crash your hotel floor. Stay gold man. Godspeed."
Yellowcard guitarist Ryan Mendez wrote: "We covered Chasing Rainbows by No Use For A Name during our set today in tribute. RIP Tony Sly, you were a massive influence on all of us."
