Phil Buerstatte, former sticks man for heavy metal band White Zombie, and handler of similar duties for Last Crack has reportedly been found dead over the weekend in Madison, Wisconsin. Unfortunately no further details have been provided at this point, but news is sure to come through shortly.
His time with White Zombie was short but eventful. Buerstatte was with the band from 1992 to 1994 and was a key feature on their La Sexorcisto tour during that period. The drummer can also be remembered for his lengthy stint with Last Crack which spanned from 1986 to 1997.
It wasn’t easy being Buerstatte as it turns out. Last year a man was arrested after claiming to be the drummer in an attempt to rip off a rehab clinic in California though police have confirmed that wasn’t the musician’s doing.
Buerstatte was 44 years of age.
UPDATE: Former Last Crack band mate Paul Schluter has released a statement on Buerstatte’s passing, also pointing fans in the direction of a video from the last time the band played with its original line up back in 2009.
“We are sorry to have to announce that Last Crack drummer and our musical brother Phil Buerstatte has passed away today. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, family and fellow band members. Pull out your Last Crack albums, crank them up loud and remember what a great drummer he was!
It is the end of an era for us and sad to say the original lineup will never be able to play together again. Our last show with Phil from 2009 is posted on YouTube in its entirety. The remaining members of the band are discussing doing a tribute show in Phil’s honor in the coming months. We’ll post details here soon.”
(Via Blabbermouth + The PRP)
