No Use for a Name Frontman Tony Sly Dies at 41

No Use for a Name frontman Tony Sly has passed away at the age of 41. Sly fronted the punk-rock act from 1989 until his death on July 31.

When it comes to Southern California (SoCal) punk rock, few bands can claim the importance of No Use for A Name. Tony Sly joined the band in 1989 after original vocalist John Meyer left the group after two years, and was featured as the frontman in all of No Use's nine full-length studio albums. All nine of those albums were released or re-released on Fat Wreck Chords, the label owned by NOFX frontman Fat Mike.

Fat Wreck Chords posted a eulogy on their official website following the news of Sly's death. "It is with great sorrow that we must say goodbye to Tony Sly of No Use For A Name. We received a call earlier today of his passing, and are devastated. We have lost an incredible talent, friend, and father – one of the true greats." The fairly reclusive Fat Mike also offered his condolences on the Fat Wreck site. “One of my dearest friends and favorite song writers has gone way too soon. Tony, you will be greatly missed.”

No Use For A Name bassist Matt Riddle posted a heartfelt statement on the band's Facebook page:

hello everybody.

this is matt from no use for a name.

i've learned over the years there's really no right way to talk about this stuff. i was kind of hoping it wouldn't get out so fast for his family's sake but it's a little late for that now. i see that this news has gotten around pretty fast. so i wanted to tell you all personally that this morning i found out that yesterday tony passed away. i'm not sure of all the details yet, and i don't think that's really important. what's important is i lost a great friend and you lost a great songwriter. i've been playing with him for 15 years? 16? i haven't processed it yet. i've been on the phone all day with friends and family. i'm not looking forward to it sinking in. i'm worried sick for his wife and kids. i knew tony very well and he would definitely want to thank you for all the love and support for both no use and his solo career. if this doesn't sound like a professional statement, it's because it's not. it's just me venting and i wanted to let you guys know personally.

matt riddle
no use for a name.

Like many of you reading this post, some of us at Loudwire grew up with No Use for a Name's music blasting through our headphones. The voice of No Use For A Name has left us, and we give our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Sly's friends and family.

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