Power Trip frontman Riley Gale dies aged 34

Riley Gale, frontman for Texas thrash-metal band Power Trip, has died aged 34.

His bandmates confirmed the news on social media, posting a statement which reads: “Rest in peace to our brother and bandmate, Riley Gale.

“It is with the greatest of sadness we must announce that our lead singer and brother Riley Gale passed away last night.

“Riley was a friend, a brother, a son. Riley was both a larger than life rock star and a humble and giving friend. He touched so many lives through his lyrics and through his huge heart. He treated everyone he met as a friend and he always took care of his friends.

“We will celebrate Riley's life and never forget the great works of music, charity, and love that he left behind. You, the fans, meant so much to him, please know how special you are. If you have a memory of Riley please share it, no matter how small, as we remember him.”

The band closed by asking fans to send donations to Dallas Hope Charities in lieu of flowers.

No cause of death has been announced.

Gale founded Power Trip in 2008 with guitarists Blake Ibanez and Nick Stewart, bassist Chris Whetzel and drummer Chris Ulsh.

The band won critical acclaim for their authentic take on classic thrash and hardcore, documented with two studio albums on Southern Lord Records, 2013’s Manifest Decimation and 2017’s Nightmare Logic.

Guitarists and musicians from the metal community have paid tribute to Gale on social media. We’ve shared a selection below.