Mark Lanegan dead at 57

Photo by Tristan Loper

Mark Lanegan, the former frontman of SCREAMING TREES and a former member of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, died at the age of 57. His publicist confirmed Lanegan's death earlier today (Tuesday, February 22).

"Our beloved friend Mark Lanegan passed away this morning at his home in Killarney, Ireland," the publicist's statement read. "A beloved singer, songwriter, author and musician, he was 57 and is survived by his wife Shelley. No other information is available at this time. The family asks everyone to respect their privacy at this time."

Lanegan, who was born in Ellensburg, Washington on November 25, 1964, began his musical career in the 1980s. In 1985, he joined the grunge band SCREAMING TREES as a vocalist; the band disbanded in 2000. Lanegan would begin a low-key solo career before releasing his major breakthrough album "Bubblegum" in 2004. Lanegan was involved in a variety of musical projects in addition to leading THE GUTTER TWINS, including hard rock band QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, long-term collaborations with Isobel Campbell, and he also contributed his vocal talents to MAD SEASON's critically acclaimed album "Above."