Written by: Alex Green

Steve Kille, who played bass in the Washington D.C. band Dead Meadow has died.

Kille was 50 years old.

Details are few, but the band paid homage to Kille on social media, writing: “It is with the absolutely heaviest of hearts that we have to announce our beloved brother, bandmate, amazing and utterly unique bass player, and gifted artist Steve Kille passed away at 12 am last night. Writing, recording, performing music with Steve felt as fresh; inspiring, and as important as it did 27 years ago when we first started playing together. We don’t know what words could express this level of loss.”

On their Instagram page, the Levitation Festival wrote: “Really sad to hear about the loss of our friend…Steve was an incredible player and performer, and always a joy to work with and be around. Sending our best to Jason and the band + Steve’s family and friends. We’re going to miss you very much, Steve.”

Known for their unique fusion of stoner rock and heavy psychedelia, Dead Meadow were favorites of John Peel and their music appeared in The Wire.

The band signed to Matador in 2003, and put out close to ten albums over the course of their career, including Shivering King And Others (2003), Feathers (2005) and 2022’s Force Form Free.

Kille, who also played sitar, produced several of the band’s albums, including Old Growth.