IN MEMORIAM: Bill Rieflin, Drummer for King Crimson, Ministry, R.E.M., Dies at 59

[Editor’s note: What struck me bad was the number of these musicians who died from COVID-19. If you think it won’t hit you, think again. And don’t be a spreader! – Bill was joined in the afterlife by many more musicians including our own beloved musicians from America like Kenny Rogers, Jerry Slick, Terrence McNally, Tres Warren, Julie Felix, Mike Longo, Eric Weissberg, Ray Mantilla, Black N Mild, Gerald Freedman, Thái Thanh, Lyle Waggoner, and world-renowned like Manu Dibango, a Cameroonian saxophonist. Check out the listings under “Notable Deaths” – these talented human beings talents included singers, songwriters, DJs, playrights, musicians, producers – a wide representation of the business of music.]

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By Jem Aswad, Variety | Our dear wonderful Bill Rieflin flew from this world today. Much loved HUMAN and member of King Crimson. Family by his side. Forever in our hearts. #billrieflin pic.twitter.com/Z4FkM74X1X ~ Toyah Willcox (@toyahofficial)

Bill Rieflin, a remarkably versatile drummer whose work over the past 30 years spanned Ministry, R.E.M., Swans, Nine Inch Nails and King Crimson, among many others, has died after a battle with cancer, a rep for his family confirmed to Variety. He was 59.

A statement from his family reads: “Musician Bill Rieflin passed away after an eight-year duel with cancer. a Seattle native and life-long resident, Bill was a world-class musician who was at home on the drums, guitar, bass, and keyboards. He was also an accomplished composer and producer who possessed a sophisticated ear, a depth of rare talent and complete dedication to his craft. Known for much of his career as an extraordinary drummer, Bill performed with a wide range of artists and bands from Swans and Ministry to R.E.M. and King Crimson and many more.

“Bill also lost his beloved wife of 27 years, master painter Francesca Sundsten, to cancer last year.

“His refined manner, brilliant mind, eye for the ironic and legendary sense of humor defined him as a man of discerning taste, palate, and company. We will miss him terribly.

A multi-instrumentalist, Rieflin also worked as a solo artist and released solo recordings and, with the group KMFDM, played drums, keyboards, bass and sang. He begin performing with King Crimson in 2013 first as a drummer, then returned later as a keyboardist. In another dramatic example of his versatility, he performed with the bruising avant act Swans and played drums on Robbie Williams’ album “Take the Crown” at around the same time.

Rieflin’s wide range of fellow musicians is evidenced by the reaction to his death on Twitter, with heartfelt posts from everyone from Wilcox to Ministry to Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/bill-rieflin-drummer-king-crimson-000914033.html