Rock bassist Kevin Chown, who performed with Sebastian Bach, Tarja, SteelHeart, and Artension, died on Monday July 6 at age 56 following a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by Bach in a Facebook post.
Sebastian Bach Leads Tributes
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Sebastian Bach wrote: "RIP Rock In Power to my friend and band mate Mr. Kevin Chown. We lost Kevin two nights ago just out of nowhere and once again it's so hard to keep up with how unfair life can be sometimes. Kevin left us way too soon and it's not fair. Kevin was our bass player for years. We shared the stage countless times on tour and jamming in rehearsal going out to dinners having a smoke together late at night on the bus to the next town listening to music hanging out laughing enjoying life as it should be."
Bach continued: "Life is so short and life is so precious. Kevin thank you so much for your top level musicianship and professionalism at all times. And more important than that thank you for being a great friend to myself & everybody that you knew. I know that you're making music with your dad above Escanaba Michigan right now. Love you Kevin Chown and we'll see you on the other side."
SteelHeart Confirms Cancer Battle
SteelHeart also paid tribute, confirming Chown's cancer battle: "Sad day today in the Steelheart camp. Our bass player for the last seven years, Kevin Chown, sadly passed away yesterday after a courageous fight with cancer. Kevin brought his heart and soul to every show, every note, every mile on the road with us. That kind of dedication and friendship doesn't come around often. We sent him our love as he crossed over — and now he's living truly in the free world. Rest easy, brother."
Health Struggles and Brain Surgery
Chown had battled health issues since his teenage years, when he was diagnosed with epilepsy. In May 2013, he underwent brain surgery at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering several seizures. He later said: "It's taken me years to finally acknowledge my condition publicly, even to my closest friends. As strange as it seems, embracing who I really am to everyone in my life, even my closest friends, has taken just as much or more courage than it has taken me to consider brain surgery. For decades, I have carried this around with me, worried what people would think. I feel like I am half way home already by simply embracing the reality of my situation."
Fan Tributes Pour In
Devastated fans shared memories on Facebook. One wrote: "He was the nicest guy… and so cool! Heaven must be amazing because they always take the good ones." Another added: "One of a kind person who shared his love of music and enhanced everyone's life that he talked to!!" A third commented: "Kevin was an amazing bassist. I have always enjoyed the energy he brought to the stage. My condolences." A fourth shared: "RIP Kevin. You will be missed. You're now at the ultimate stage in the afterworld. Rock on!!" A fifth fan recalled: "I was so fortunate to have meet him back in 2016 when the van broke down outside of Baltimore on the way to Charleston WV. He was such a cool dude, enjoyed watching him guest star on his hometown radio station every Friday via live stream, and watching him build his new house in recent years. I can't believe he is no longer here. RIP brother."
