California Punk Icon Dead At 54
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Founder Of California Punk Outfit The Adolescents, Agent Orange Dead At 54
It’s with a heavy heart that we report that Steve Soto, founder of California punk outfits The Adolescents and Agent Orange, has died at the age of 54.
The news was confirmed early this morning by Soto’s longtime friend and Adolescents bandmate Tony Reflex, who took to Twitter to issue a heartbroken statement about Soto’s passing. Like many who knew Steve, Tony Reflex finds himself at a complete and total loss for words as he tries to reconcile with the painful reality that is life without his friend.
“With heavy heart I share the passing of Steve Soto, my friend and bandmate since 1979,” Reflex wrote. “I don’t know what to do. Or to say. Goodbye, my brother.”
Born August 23, 1963, Soto was a gifted multi-instrumentalist with roots in the California punk scene, beginning with Agent Orange in 1979 and launching The Adolescents one year later in 1980. He faithfully played guitar in both bands, remaining the sole remaining original member of The Adolescents and steered the band through decades of breakups and lineup changes before the band made its final return in 2001.
As Soto’s bandmates publicly mourned his loss, the tributes from record labels, fans, and friends in the music industry began to roll in across social media.
We’ve lost a true punk icon. RIP Steve Soto, founding member of The Adolescents and Agent Orange. Our hearts go out to family, friends, and fans. You left this world too soon but your music and your influence will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/XA7kTmyrwU
— Epitaph Records (@epitaphrecords) June 28, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkkpOXMnraT/?hl=en&taken-by=billiejoearmstrong
Again, no cause of death has been given for Steve Soto at this time and as this is a developing story, more information will be coming in the hours and days to come. Be sure to stay tuned to I Love Classic Rock for more updates as they become available.
Our hearts are with Steve’s family, friends, fans and bandmates as they begin to navigate life without him.
