Evile Bassist Mike Alexander Passes Away

While on tour in Europe, Evile bassist Mike Alexander was taken ill, rushed to a hospital, and passed away in Lulea, Sweden. He was 32 years old. Evile members Matt Drake, Ol Drake and Ben Carter have released the following statement:

"This is so hard to find the words to express fully how we feel. We can't believe or accept what's happened. One minute we're talking to our buddy, Mike, the next minute we can never speak to him again. There's so many things rushing through our heads that we want to say, do and feel. We half expect him to come round the corner and call us 'dickheads'. We can't get our heads around it."

"It upsets us so much that he was away from his family when this happened, although knowing Mike, we're at least glad he was on tour doing what he loves.
We're lost for words. We all miss him so much already. He was such a headstrong, genuinely nice guy who loved music and his family. We've got so many brilliant memories with him."

"Our hearts go out to his daughter, family and friends at this tragic, difficult time. Mike is much loved and is sorely missed. Rest in peace, brother."

Evile just released their latest CD Infected Nations and had embarked on a European tour with Amon Amarth. About.com Heavy Metal would like to extend our condolences to Mike's family, friends, fans and bandmates.

(photo courtesy Earache Records)