Van Conner, the co-founding bassist of the rock band Screaming Trees, died on Tuesday at the age of 55, his brother and bandmate confirmed in a statement.
On Facebook, Gary Lee Conner announced his brother's death alongside a photo of them together. He revealed that the late musician was one of his closest friends, expressing that he would miss him forever after the tragic loss.
The same post confirmed Conner suffered "extended illness," but pneumonia became the cause of his death.
It remains unknown what was the "extended illness" the bassist went through.
"Let me put this letter on Van's grave," he wrote. "Van Conner bassist and songwriter of Screaming Trees, died last night of an extended illness at 55 It was pneumonia that got him in the end. He was one of the closest friends I ever had and I loved him immensely. I will miss him forever and ever and ever."
Gary shared another post on the social media page: a video of his "Fade Out City (Epistle To Van)" YouTube video.
In the caption, he took his time to recall the bad dream he had when he was eight years old. At that time, he reportedly woke up after dreaming of himself in a cemetery following his brother's death. He also noted the letter he wanted to leave on his grave. The video he posted, meanwhile, contained the words he wished to tell Conner.
Following the announcement, colleagues and fans took their heartbreaks to Twitter as they paid tribute to the late bassist.
Incredibly sad to learn of Van Conner's passing. He was always so kind to me. We could talk for hours about music and life. Last time i saw him, he and Brad were jamming w/ friends. I'll treasure that vibe always. Sending love to his family, his friends & all the Trees fans. RIP. pic.twitter.com/eZvZcNNk8k
— Taryn Daly (@TarynKISW) January 18, 2023
Remembering Van Conner
Conner notably started playing music in high school, during which he played as a bass player. His love for music led him to create Explosive Generation with his brother, Gary, and Mark Pickerel.
The band then transformed into Screaming Trees and welcomed Mark Lanegan in 1985.
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In the late 1980s, the band started conquering more stages while playing its hit albums. Among the music projects it released included "Other Worlds," "Clairvoyance," "Even If and Especially When," "Invisible Lantern," "Buzz Factory," "Change Has Come," "Uncle Anesthesia," "Sweet Oblivion," "Dust," and "Last Words: The Final Recordings."
Although its last album was dated in 2011, the band split in 2000. Conner went on to play with other bands after the breakup. On the other hand, his bandmate Lanegan died in February 2022.
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