Anthrax, Hellyeah + More Saddened Over Death of Tour Manager Aaron Dilks

Various rock and metal acts are paying tribute to Aaron Dilks, who served as tour manager and sound person for Anthrax and worked in the rock industry for many years for bands like Hellyeah, Fear Factory, Journey, Marilyn Manson and more.

Dilks, known as 'Double A,' died on Sunday and no cause of death has been given. In a post on their Facebook page, Anthrax honored their tour manager: “The entire Anthrax camp is just devastated by the sudden loss of our tour manager/soundman Aaron Dilks…He was a wonderful man, we all cared greatly about him, and he made the band sound like a monster. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family.”

The feeling was mutual. One of the last posts Dilks wrote on his own Facebook account was about his love for the band. "Good to be spending my Birthday with long time friends and colleagues Anthrax," he wrote on May 3.

Dilks was also the first ever tour manager for Hellyeah. The group posted about his loss on their Facebook page: “He was a great man and a legend amongst men and will be greatly missed. Our sympathy and condolences go out to his family and friends. R.I.P AA!! You are loved and will be greatly missed!!"

Fear Factory is also mourning his loss. The group put up the following statement with photos on their Facebook page: "On behalf of Fear Factory, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our good friend and comrade in arms, Aaron Dilks. He was our soundman and tour manager during the U.S./European/Australian tours of 'Demanufacture' and 'Digimortal'. He was a superb human being, and enjoyed every minute of his life, and we enjoyed experiencing the ride with him." Check out their full posting below.

Producer Sterling Winfield, who has worked with the likes of Pantera and Hellyeah wrote more on Facebook about the impact Dilks had on the rock and metal community. "Beyond saddened this morning to hear about the passing of Aaron Dilks,” Winfield wrote. “He was the first ever tour manager for HELLYEAH. He also worked with my boys in SEVENDUST and was a longtime security guy for JOURNEY, just to name a few. He was a truly great spirit and bright light."

We'd like to send out condolences to Aaron Dilks' friends, families and colleagues during this difficult time.

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