Died On This Date (December 29, 2013) Ben Curtis / Secret Machines, School Of Seven Bells
themusicsover Ben Curtis
September 23, 1978 – December 29, 2013
Ben Curtis was a founding member of the two popular indie rock bands, Secret Machines and School Of Seven Bells. Born in Layton, Oklahoma, Curtis moved to Dallas, Texas while still in junior high. A gifted guitarist, drummer and songwriter, he and his brother, Brandon Curtis, formed Secret Machines in 2000 and moved the band to New York City. The space rock group released several acclaimed singles, EPs and albums and even opened for u2 during a 2006 show in Mexico. In 2007, Curtis and identical twins, Claudia Deheza and Alejandra Deheza launched School Of Seven Bells, a popular shoegaze band who went on to release numerous records to critical acclaim as well. Their most recent LP, Ghostory, came out in 2013. Curtis also played in UFOFU and Tripping Daisy during his career. In early 2013, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma but initially, that it was treatable. In August of 2013, several musicians held a benefit concert to raise money to help with his medical expenses. Devendra Banhart along with members of Interpol and the Strokes took part. Ben Curtis ultimately died from the cancer on December 29, 2013. He was 35.
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