Rock and metal musicians pass away in 2026

The year 2026 has seen the deaths of several prominent figures in the rock and metal music industry. Notable losses include Grateful Dead guitarist and singer Bob Weir, who died on January 10 at age 78, and 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold, who passed away on February 7 at age 47 following a diagnosis of stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Other significant musicians reported dead include ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, Venom pioneer Cronos, and Bonnie Tyler. The music industry has also lost key professionals including Clive Davis, Peter Katsis, and Doug Goldstein, as well as Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Scorpions' Francis Buchholz, and Cake's Greg Brown.