Died On This Date (September 24, 2013) Bill Bartell / AKA Pat Fear of White Flag
themusicsover Pat Fear (Born Bill Bartell)
DOB Unknown – September 24, 2013
Pat Fear is best remembered as the singer and guitarist for the influential Los Angeles-area punk band, White Flag. Formed in 1982 as a sort of antithesis to the angrier local punk outfits, White Flag members took on the parodiable monikers of Jello B. Affro, Mike Mess, and of course, Pat Fear. The band released two seminal albums over the next couple of years, R is for Rocket and S is for Space while performing countless shows throughout California. Over the next three decades, the band released more than a dozen albums as well as numerous EPs and singles. Throughout the band’s run, its lineup included several members who went on to play in other notable bands. The list includes Jim Laspesa (The Muffs, Dave Davies, Bob Cowsill), Greg Hetson (Redd Kross, Circle Jerks), Steven Shane McDonald (Redd Kross), Kim Shattuck (The Muffs, The Pandoras), Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), Eric Erlandson (Hole), A lifelong fan of music, Fear was known to lend his support and even champion other up-and-coming musicians and bands. Two of his early favorites were Os Mutantes and Shonen Knife, both of whom he helped bring to the United States for their first American tours. During breaks from White Flag, Fear worked as a police reservist and bull rider. On September 24, 2013, Pat Fear was found dead in his home at the age of 52. Although his death came as a surprise, reports indicate that he had been in ill health in recent years. Initial coroner findings attribute his death the natural causes.
Darby Crash is best remembered as founder and lead singer for influential Los Angeles punk band, the Germs. Formed in 1977, the Germs were part of the same scene that produced X, Fear, the Circle Jerks and Black Flag. In 1977, they released a single, “Forming,” which is regarded by many to be the first punk record to come out of Los Angeles. The Germs disbanded in 1980, with Crash going on to form the Darby Crash Band, that didn’t last much longer than a handful of gigs. He got the Germs back together for a reunion show on December 3, 1980. Four days later he took his own life by overdosing on heroin in an apparent suicide pact with friend, Casey Cola who actually survived the OD. In 1981, Crash and the band were featured prominently in Penelope Spheeris’ acclaimed documentary on the L.A. punk scene, The Decline of Western Civilization.
