Steve Grimmett, Grim Reaper Singer, Dead at 62

Steve Grimmett, vocalist of the NWOBHM pioneers Grim Reaper, has died at the age of 62. His passing was confirmed by his brother Mark Grimmett.

"I don't really know where to start so I guess I will just come right out with it," Mark wrote on social media. "It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that I have to tell you all as many of you know him my very talented brother Steve Grimmett very sadly passed away today, my heart goes out to Millie his wife my Mum and Dad, Russell, Sami and Ethan. I will miss you more than words will ever say, love you bro xx".

Grim Reaper was formed in 1979 in Droitwich, England, by guitarist Nick Bowcott, and underwent numerous lineup changes over the years, with Grimmett remaining the lone constant member after joining in 1982. They were possibly best known for the title tracks from their first three albums, 1983's See You in Hell, 1985's Fear No Evil and 1987's Rock You to Hell, the music videos for which all appeared on Beavis and Butt-Head in the 1990s.

Steve's death comes just over five years after the singer had his right leg partially amputated when an infected wound on his foot spread to the bones in his leg while on tour in South America. Grimmett required life-saving surgery, which was carried out in Ecuador; fans later raised $14,000 to help bring him home.

Just months after the operation, Grimmett performed onstage for the first time since the surgery in a wheelchair at the 2017 Bang Your Head!!! festival in Germany. He continued to play live in the following years, and Grim Reaper released their most recent album, At the Gates, in 2019.

Producer Max Norman, who worked on Rock You to Hell, paid tribute to the singer: "A terrific vocalist, and all around perfect gentleman - you will be missed my friend. Condolences to Mark and Millie and friends and family - a very very sad loss..."