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Lou Koller, Sick of It All, Dies of Esophageal Cancer

8/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lou Koller died of esophageal cancer on July 24 at a hospice in Matawan, New Jersey, his brother Pete Koller confirmed.
He fronted the New York City punk band Sick of It All, which he called “ambassadors of hardcore.”
The band lasted nearly four decades and released 12 studio albums.
Their debut “Blood, Sweat and No Tears,” with 16 of 19 songs under two minutes, earned a reputation as New York hardcore titans.

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Story summary

Lou Koller died of esophageal cancer on July 24 at a hospice in Matawan, New Jersey, his brother Pete Koller confirmed.
He fronted the New York City punk band Sick of It All, which he called “ambassadors of hardcore.”
The band lasted nearly four decades and released 12 studio albums.
Their debut “Blood, Sweat and No Tears,” with 16 of 19 songs under two minutes, earned a reputation as New York hardcore titans.