Andrew Loomis, drummer of legendary Portland punk band Dead Moon, has died. He was 54 years old.
Although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, Loomis had been battling cancer. He was diagnosed with lymphoma last spring, leading to the creation of a GoFundMe page to help with his medical bills.
Pierced Arrows confirmed the news of Loomis's passed on Twitter:
Rest in peace Andrew #andrewloomis #deadmoon #rip pic.twitter.com/PpaKhzVIg1
— Pierced Arrows (@piercedarrows) March 9, 2016
Loomis joined the husband and wife tandem of Fred and Toody Cole to create Dead Moon in 1987, and for close to 20 years helped define the sound and D.I.Y. spirit of Pacific Northwest punk. After the band dissolved in 2006, the Coles went on to form Pierced Arrows with drummer Kelly Halliburton, while Andrew Loomis played in the Shiny Things. In 2014, Dead Moon reunited to celebrate the Crystal Ballroom's 100th anniversary, and had continued to play occasional shows since.
Willamette Week