In Memoriam: Mikey Welsh (Ex-Weezer Bassist) Found Dead

Former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh was found dead yesterday in his hotel room in Chicago, Illinois. 

Welsh, who was 40 years old, failed to check out of his room and was found unresponsive on the hotel room floor when hotel staff came to check on him at the Raffaello Hotel, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. No foul play is suspected in his death, however narcotics are suspected to have played a role.

Autopsy results are expected to be available this afternoon.

Welsh was in town to watch Weezer headline this year’s Riot Fest. He played bass in the band form 1998 to 2001 and left after suffering from a nervous breakdown. He then re-invented himself and began a successful career as a painter.

Weezer posted a small tribute to Welsh on their website saying:

It saddens me and the guys in Weezer so much to say that our beautiful, creative, hilarious and sweet friend Mikey Welsh has passed away at the very young age of 40. A unique talent, a deeply loving friend and father, and a great artist is gone, but we will never forget him. His chapter in the weezer story (’98 – ’01) was vital, essential, wild, and amazing. 

Mikey was never one to shy away from the absurd, dangerous or strange, and he did so with a gusto few others had. No one had quite the stage presence of Mikey, nor have there been many who pulled the types of shenanigans he did at shows. If it rocked, he had to try it – and he always found a way to pull it off. 

Our condolences go out to his friends and family.