Guitarist and founding member of Dark Angel, Jim Durkin, has died. He was 58 years old.
Jim’s wife, Annie, confirmed his death on Facebook yesterday (March 10). “With a heavy and broken heart, I want to share that the love of my life, my best friend and husband, Jimmy, passed away Wednesday morning,” she wrote. “He was not alone as I was with him with a few close friends until the end. He will be truly missed and no one can ever replace the love I have for him. May he rest in peace. Always yours, always mine, Ever Bear…… My Beloved Immortal, I will see you again.
Shortly after, Dark Angel also released their own statement on Jim’s death, writing, “We in the Dark Angel family are deeply saddened and crushed today by the news of the passing of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin. Wednesday morning. We would like to thank his fans for their continued loyalty and support. We will be releasing a full statement very soon. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family as we mourn the loss of this great man.”
Following the news, musicians paid tribute to the late thrasher via social media. Exodus guitarist Gary Holt took to his Instagram to write, “This is just terrible news, just terrible.”
Additionally, Arch Enemy’s Michael Amott called Jim “the nicest guy in thrash” and recalled fond memories of hanging out with Jim and Annie during the “kinda rough days” of Arch’s tours. Enemy in the early 2000s. “He had a big heart for sure,” Amott wrote on Facebook.
Megadeth bassist David Ellefson also paid tribute to Jim, writing, “Condolences to his family, friends and bandmates…his contribution to thrash metal will be missed by all!”
Our thoughts are with Jim’s friends and family at this time.
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