There aren’t many drummers that have spent such opportune time with such distinct bands with their own musical personalities but Bill Rieflin pulled it off. Rieflin passed away on March 24th from cancer.
As the drummer for Ministry, R.E.M. and most recently King Crimson over his 30-year career, Rieflin was a vital voice in the early 90’s industrial movement, as well as filling an important role in R.E.M. in 2003 as their touring drummer, following original drummer Bill Berry’s retirement and made his studio debut with the band on 2004’s Around The Sun. Rieflin had also played with Peter Murphy, Chris Cornell, Nine Inch Nails, and other
“Bill Rieflin flew from this world c. 18.50 Pacific, 18.50 UK,” King Crimson founder Robert Fripp wrote on Facebook following receiving a phone call confirming Rieflin’s death. He added, “Fly well, Brother Bill! My life is immeasurably richer for knowing you.
Check out posts from Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and Ministry below…
