Paul O'Neill, the producer/composer/lyricist who founded the
progressive metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has died at 61.
University of South Florida police spokeswoman Renna Reddick
told The Associated Press that O'Neill was found dead in his room by hotel
staff at a Tampa Embassy Suites late Wednesday afternoon.
Reddick said there were no obvious signs of foul play, and a
medical examiner is working to determine an official cause.
The band said in a statement on Facebook that O'Neill died
from a "chronic illness." The band described itself as devastated by
his death.
"The entire Trans-Siberian Orchestra family, past and present,
is heartbroken to share the devastating news that Paul O’Neill has passed away
from chronic illness. He was our friend and our leader — a truly creative
spirit and an altruistic soul. This is a profound and indescribable loss for us
all. We ask that you respect Paul’s family’s privacy now."
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Saw that yesterday - how tragic! He toured with the West Coast group, so I never saw him live. But what an amazing band and legacy he leaves behind.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to see him once-stellar production-and the DVD has been a Christmas Eve tradition for me since it's release.
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