Lou Koller, the founder and frontman of New York hardcore band Sick of It All, has died at the age of 59 following a two-year battle with adenocarcinoma cancer.
Lou Koller was first diagnosed in June 2024 after doctors found a tumor in his esophagus that had spread into his stomach.
The band canceled their European tour as he underwent treatment, and after completing his final round of chemotherapy he shared the news that scans had come back clear.
The relief was unfortunately short-lived. Just some months later, Koller posted a video to social media telling fans the cancer had returned.
“Back to square one,” he said.
He died this week. Sick of It All had been weeks away from celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band, having been founded in Queens, New York in 1986 by Koller, his brother Pete Koller and drummer Armand Majidi.
The band pays tribute to their frontman
The band paid tribute in a statement describing Koller as irreplaceable both as a frontman and as a person.
“The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming,” the statement read. “
Lou had the power to raise everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over wherever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world.”
What is adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common forms of cancer, originating in the glandular cells that line certain organs. It can affect multiple parts of the body including the esophagus, stomach, prostate and pancreas, according to the Mayo Clinic.
General symptoms that can appear across different types include bloating, pain near the affected organ, changes in weight or appetite, and blood in bodily fluids including saliva, urine or feces.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is the type Koller was diagnosed with, can specifically cause difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing, indigestion, hoarseness and a burning or pressure sensation in the chest.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to consult a doctor.
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