Howie Pyro, D Generation and Danzig Bassist, Dead at 61 | Revolver

Howie Pyro, D Generation and Danzig Bassist, Dead at 61

Punk hero also worked with the Misfits, Rancid, Joey Ramone and more
howie pyro GETTY 2015 LIVE, Jordi Vidal/Redferns via Getty Images
D Generation's Howie Pyro and Jesse Malin, 2015
photograph by Jordi Vidal/Redferns via Getty Images

Punk-rock icon Howie Pyro, best known as a founding member of D Generation, has passed away. He was 61. Pyro died yesterday (May 4th) from COVID-19-related pneumonia following a long battle with liver disease. His friend and D Generation bandmate Jesse Malin confirmed the news.

"He fought real hard right till the end," Malin wrote of Pyro, who he called "my best friend and brother." "He changed my life and so many others in ways I can't even begin to say. We made our world together."

In addition to D Generation, Pyro worked with Danzig (playing on 2001's Live on the Black Hand Side and 2002's I Luciferi), the Misfits, Rancid, Joey Ramone, Johnny Thunders, Debbie Harry and others. He was also beloved as the DJ behind the 45 RPM-focused radio show Intoxica! Radio.

Pyro was part of the 1970s New York City punk scene, playing Max's Kansas City and CBGB in the underage band Blessed. In 1991, Pyro and Malin — along with guitarists Danny Sage and Richard Bacchus and drummer Michael Wildwood — formed D Generation. The group released their self-titled debut album in 1994 before signing to Columbia, which issued 1996's No Lunch and 1999's Through The Darkness. Their final album was 2016's Nothing Is Anywhere.

His family is requesting that those wishing to pay tribute consider donating to the UCLA Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation. He will be laid to rest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.