Sad news for fans of Canadian thrash titans Annihilator, as the band’s former vocalist Randy Rampage passed away, aged 58. It was the “Bloodied But Unbowed” documentary that broke the news posting on Facebook:
”Tonight sometime after 7pm Randy Rampage left us to reign in the heavens. A punk legend has moved on. And because he shared himself with you, please share a moment and think of Randy Desmond Archibald aka Rampage. We love you Randy.”
Randy Rampage formed part of the band during two periods of time, the first one being in 1988-1989, when he put his voice for the legendary Alice In Hell record. His second run took place between 1999-2000, with the Criteria For A Black Widow album featuring him. He also was bassist and vocalist for punk band D.O.A. But playing with bands like D.O.A. and thrash metal standard-bearers Annihilator brought him fame but no fortune, so he paid the bills as a longshoreman.
According to Vancouver Sun, on “Tuesday he did a shift at the Lynnterm Terminal in North Vancouver, came home and plopped down in his favourite chair. After suffering a heart attack, he died early Tuesday evening.”
“It looked as though he was just watching a South Park DVD, resting,” said his partner, Susanne Tabata. “It happened early last evening when I was out running an errand. I just talked to him before I left.”
On their part, Annihilator have published a short post on their Facebook page that reads: ”R.I.P. Randy. Thanks for your unique and legendary voice.”
Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. R.I.P. Randy.
