Jim Durkin, founding guitarist of Dark Angel, dies aged 58
The Californian guitarist has been hailed as a “great man” by his bandmates
Image: via Instagram
Jim Durkin, the founding guitarist of thrash metal band Dark Angel, has died aged 58.
The news was confirmed by his wife Annie, via a Facebook post.
“With a broken and heavy heart, I want to share that the love of my life, my best friend and husband, Jimmy, passed away Wednesday morning,” wrote Annie.
“He was not alone as I was with him along 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. Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours … My Immortal Beloved. I will see you again.”
The band also paid tribute to the guitarist on social media: “We in the Dark Angel family are deeply saddened and crushed today with the news of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin passing away Wednesday morning.
“We would like to thank his fans for their continuous loyalty and support. We will come out with a full statement very soon. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy while we mourn the loss of this great man.”
Dark Angel was formed in Downey, California in 1981, originally under the name as Shellshock. While there successes were not as widespread as fellow California thrash bands such as Metallica and Slayer, Dark Angel were and still are considered as highly influential within the thrash scene.
The band have a few gigs booked for 2023 around North America, including an appearance at the Milwaukee Metal Festival in May, but it is currently unknown as to whether they will go ahead.