Steve Lee (Gotthard)

5th August 1963 - 5th October 2010  

 

 
We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Steve's family and the rest of the band for the sad loss of his life, which came far too early.  Steve was a remarkable singer and also a remarkable person who will leave a big hole in a lot of people's lives.

Official statement from Nuclear Blast the bands record label: GOTTHARD - singer Steve Lee - fatal accident in America!

Las Vegas - The world has lost one of its greatest rock singers: GOTTHARD front-man Steve Lee was killed accidentally during a motorcycle trip in the USA on Interstate 15 between Mesquite and Las Vegas and died at the scene.

The GOTTHARD singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends just this weekend to fulfil a long-cherished dream for which he'd never had the time, due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the states on a Harley Davidson. The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles. On Tuesday 5 October, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee. Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 16:13 local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead.

Among the passengers were GOTTHARD bassist Marc Lynn and Lee's girlfriend Brigitte Voss Balzarini. All other fellow riders were unharmed. Steve Lee was 48 years old.

With Steve Lee, we not only lose one of the world's best rock voices but also an extraordinary personality. Despite his enormous success, the Ticino singer had retained a very subtle eye for detail and often impressed the people around him with his sensitive observation. Due to his personality, he had a serious outlook, without losing his sense of humour and lust for life. Steve Lee met his environment with respect but always had, in his gentle way, a very simple, personal touch. He understood like no one else how to enjoy without going too far - to him, alcohol and parties were things he met with level-headedness. The singer sold several million albums throughout his career with GOTTHARD, several of them reaching platinum, double or triple platinum status.

And yet all this bears no relation to the human greatness of Steve Lee on a daily basis.

Official statement from the bands website: 

Dear Fans and Friends, the inconceivable is tragic reality – Steve Lee was killed in an accident yesterday

Steve was killed accidentally during a motorcycle trip in the USA on Interstate 15 between Mesquite and Las Vegas and died at the scene.

The GOTTHARD singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends just this weekend to fulfil a long-cherished dream for which he’d never had the time, due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the states on a Harley Davidson. The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles. On Tuesday 5 October, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee. Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 16:13 local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead.
Among the passengers were bassist Marc Lynn and Steve’s partner Brigitte Voss Balzarini. All other fellow riders were unharmed. Steve Lee was 47 years old.

With Steve Lee, we not only lose one of the world's best rock voices but also a good friend who due to his sensitivity and down-to-earth personality always met the people around him with respect.

It will take some time till we fully understand what has happened.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family.

Letters of condolence:

Gotthard Music GmbH
Grossmatte Ost 2
CH-6014 Littau

The official condolence website for Steve Lee can be found here  - www.stevelee.ch .  In edition to that a new unofficial condolence Facebook group has been set up and that can be found here -  http://www.facebook.com/pages/RIP-Steve-Lee/160199197341396?v=wall

 

Krokus Comments On The Passing Of Gotthard Vocalist Steve Lee

Krokus commented by saying:

"Krokus and management would like to extend our sincere condolences to Steve Lee's family as well as to the band Gotthard.

"Chris Von Rohr produced many of the Gotthard albums during his hiatus from Krokus and helped them gain 'platinum' award status multiple times.

"Marc Storace recorded a Queen medley with Steve many years ago for one of the most popular Swiss TV shows. 'Steve was a kind and friendly person to be or work with. He left us too early, but his remarkable voice will live on in the songs he so passionately sang. Rest in peace, Marc.'

"Jan Bayati of German management company Bottom Row Productions not only manages Krokus but also managed Gotthard from 1996 through 2002 and since June of this year again. Representing both bands, Mr. Bayati wishes Steve's family strength in this difficult time. 'I still can't believe it, what a tragedy.'"
 

THE POODLES On Passing Of GOTTHARD Singer Steve Lee - "One Of Rock's Great Voices Has Been Silenced"

Swedish hard rockers THE POODLES have issued the following statement regarding the tragic death of GOTTHARD singer Steve Lee who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Nevada yesterday (Tuesday, October 5 at 16:13 PM). He was 47 years old.

"It is with great sadness that we today were reached with the news that one of rock's great voices has been silenced by the passing Gotthard frontman Steve Lee in a tragic accident in the United States.

A brilliant vocalist and great person that we had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with on tour.

The world's a lesser place without you but your songs will live on forever.

Rest in peace."
 
 

 

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