Bill Conway of Morphine has died. He was 65.
Conway's bandmate Jeffrey Foucalt and Vapors of Morphine's Facebook page confirmed the saddening news to fans, saying that the longtime drummer was one of the best ones in the country. The bandmates also took their time to send their deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends.
Foucault, for his part, told Rolling Stone that Bill Conway's cause of death was cancer.
"With his uncanny empathy and sensitivity, his dedication to simplicity and restraint, and his impossible spiritual power, he played the song, never the instrument, and when he played he was undeniable. He incarnated a ferocious love," Conway's friend said.
Foucault then called him a "great soul" who had been "relentlessly kind and open-hearted." Per the pal, everyone who met him would remember him even after his death.
After sharing the news, fans showered the band's social media accounts with heartfelt messages as they wished for Conway's soul peace.
One said, "I am so saddened by this. I'm thinking back to times at Hi & Dri Studios, recording my CD. I can't imagine the loss that Laurie is feeling. Much love to all who knew and loved him. Peace, Kemp."
"He really had a definitive sound and a clear vision for that Morphine sound. He will be missed. Many condolences, to Laurie and all Billy's loved ones," another wrote.
Billy Conway's Journey In Music Industry
Conway first began his career with Morphine by appearing on the band's first two albums - "Good" and "Cure for Pain." He eventually replaced Deupree as a permanent member. Still, both drummers sometimes performed live together in the years thereafter.
Before his death, his bandmate Dana Colley appeared in an interview in 2020 where he talked about working under DreamWorks. He revealed that performing under the company was a blessing and a curse for them as they enjoyed financial freedoms while dealing with a lot of stress which Conway also felt.
"Mark felt responsible for producing a big hit for them. It led to a lot of fractious feelings between Mark, Billy and myself ... Mark succeeded in producing the basic tracks that he was ultimately pleased with. And we succeeded in having both Billy Conway and Jerome Deupree both playing drums at the same time," he said.
Conway was first diagnosed with cancer in October 2018. At that time, he underwent emergency surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy and radiation.
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