I, like most of you, was absolutely devastated by the news of Love Equals Death frontman Chon Travis’ passing this morning. It goes without saying that everyone at Dying Scene’s thoughts are with Chon’s family, friends, and bandmates. Love Equals Death is currently on tour in Europe and released the following statement this morning:
“It’s with heavy hearts we tell the world this news: Yesterday at around 5pm, England time, we were getting ready to leave our hotel for our show in Stafford. We hadn’t heard from Chon in about an hour or so.
He wasn’t answering his phone and we knocked on his door for 10 minutes before the hotel staff let us in.
When we opened the door we found him on his bed with his guitar and unresponsive. We administered CPR for about 15 minutes before paramedics arrived. They continued to attempt to revive him. After another 45 minutes or so they let us know that Chon had passed.
He did not use drugs and was in very good spirits for this entire tour. We are obviously in a complete state of shock and trying to figure things out right now. We will have more to say in coming days but right now we are asking for privacy as we process this and try to navigate our way back home.
Please keep Chon’s family in your prayers.”
Chon formed Love Equals Death in 2003 and the band would go on to sign with Fat Wreck Chords for the release of their stellar debut album Nightmerica in 2006, followed by their 2022 comeback LP Gravity and Grace on SBAM Records. Bay Area locals will remember his original band Loose Change (featuring future AFI guitarist Jade Puget), who released a split 7″ with AFI in 1993 along with two full-length albums. He also released a solo album called Life Atop the Trees during Love Equals Death’s 10 year hiatus.
Outside of his storied career as a punk musician, Chon was a father and husband. His bandmates have set up a GoFundMe campaign in support of his wife and daughter. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here.
A Wilhelm Scream was scheduled to play a show with Love Equals Death in Kassel, Germany tomorrow night. They’ll be going forward with the show, and will be donating all proceeds from the show to Love Equals Death:
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Chon, a beloved member of Love Equals Death. His infectious energy, undeniable talent, and unwavering passion for music made him a true inspiration. Fat Mike was captivated by their live show and quickly signed them to FAT, resulting in the iconic 2006 album, Nightmerica. We were fortunate to share a part of his journey, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and bandmates.” –Fat Wreck Chords
“We’ve just received the very sad news that Chon Travis (Love Equals Death) has passed away. We’re deeply shocked and lost of words. Chon was one of the nicest people we’ve ever met and we never thought that our last conversation a few days ago would be the last. Life is short and precious. So hug your loved ones and make the most of it. Our love and condolences go out to his family and friends!” –SBAM Records
“Rest in Peace to my friend Chon Travis. We grew up like brothers and some of my earliest musical experiences were shared with you. You were funny, smart, and talented and you will be missed.” -Jade Puget
Brent Johnson
I grew up (teenager)with Chon and his brothers. He was a dream that I shared with the 95482. If anyone was going to bust though it would be Chon. I remember going the the Wilson’s brothers half pipe being super self-conscious.
Those boys were so amazing. When Ben pasaway… Was awful and Chon being his soul brother makes this so difficult..
We love you beautiful people …