Former Cradle of Filth Bassist Jon Kennedy Dead at 46
It’s always a bummer to start out your day with news of a fallen metal artist, but the metal community lost another one of its own with the passing of former Cradle of Filth bassist and Hecate Enthroned co-founder/vocalist Jon Kennedy. He was 46 years old.
Kennedy joined Cradle of Filth back in 1994 and remained for roughly a year. During his time there, he helped record the original version of Dusk and Her Embrace, but that version was ultimately re-recorded with a different lineup due to apparent label disputes. His studio recordings were ultimately released in 2016 under the new title Dusk and Her Embrace (The Original Sin).
Though he only remained in the band for about a year, his time in Cradle of Filth was remembered fondly by frontman Dani Filth, who took to Instagram to eulogize his fallen friend.
“It is with much sadness that we hear about the untimely passing of our former bassist Jon Kennedy.
“He was a great bassist and singer who filled in for Cradle at a time of such magical import, mayhem and mischief.
“I distinctly remember having a wickedly wonderful week staying just outside Wrexham in Wales at Jon’s Mum’s house in 1995.
“We picked our own magic mushrooms from a local football pitch and then watched Emperor synch up with the newly-released Disney ‘Aladdin’ on VHS, heading out to undertake Black Metal shenanigans thereafter. We were always pulling pranks and playfully winding each other up back in those days.
“He will be missed!
“Godspeed old friend.”
Kennedy’s other main claim to fame is his contribution to Hecate Enthroned. As the band’s co-founder and vocalist from as far back as 1992 when the band was known as Amethyst and Daemonum, he remained in the lineup until 1998. Fans of the band will remember Kennedy’s vocal style and its resemblance to Filth’s unique delivery.
Just as his time with Cradle of Filth, Kennedy wasn’t featured in many of Hecate Enthroned’s studio releases, only showing up in the band’s first two records: 1997’s The Slaughter of Innocence, A Requiem for the Mighty and 1998’s Dark Requiems…and Unsilent Massacre.
As expected, the band paid tribute to one of its founding members by taking to Facebook and remembering Kennedy’s contributions.
“We are shook and devastated by the passing of our brother Jon Kennedy. This isn’t just a huge loss for his family and friends, but for the thousands of music fans and genre lovers that he touched and inspired.
“Jon’s passion for music was huge and at times all consuming which is reflected in how he is revered within the Black Metal scene. Working with Jon on music was fun, inspiring and challenging because anyone with that drive and passion was a force and this continued after Hecate with all his musical endeavours right up to the end with the Power house Imperial Genocide. But this passion was matched with the love for his family and his close friends. A loving father and husband and son.
“Our thoughts and hearts are with his wonderful family at this incredibly difficult time. As we mourn our brother please be mindful of his family and respect their space. But please raise the horns for Jon.
“Nos da Jon
“Donations to the GoFundMe to help his family would be greatly appreciated.”
As the band noted in their tribute, Kennedy’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for the fallen musician’s funeral costs. Of their goal of £2,000, the family has raised just over £1,500. If you can find it within yourself to contribute, feel free to do so.
We at MetalSucks want to offer our deepest condolences to Jon Kennedy’s family, friends, and former bandmates during this difficult time.
