Drummer Bob Fouts Passes Away Unexpectedly at 45

Drummer Brian "Bob" Fouts of the metal bands, The Gates of Slumber and Chrome Waves has passed away on April 28, 2020. The Indianapolis music artist was 45. The cause of death has yet to be disclosed until press time.

The confirmation of Fout's untimely death though, came from Karl Simon, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist. He posted on the official Facebook page of The Gates of Slumber with the words: "RIP Bob. I don't have the words, really." He further wrote, "He'd seemed like he was on the way back," which could be alluding to a reason that was not given any more details. He ended the post: "I hope he's at peace." Friends of the band extended their condolences on the profile by posting on his feed.

The profile photo on the band's FB page was changed to the trio's photo - Karl Simon, Jason McCash (bass), who has since passed away, and Bob "Iron" Fouts.

The Gates of Slumber branded as the Indiana doom trio kings disbanded in 2013. With the band leader's posting, it seemed the two are still in touch with each other.

Bob Fouts, known for his monicker "Iron," began his career into the underground hardcore metal music scene as a drummer of an emerging band Burn in Down during the late '90s. He went on to join his ex-bandmate Jason McCash, the bass guitarist with the doom metal band The Gates of Slumber.

Iron went on to record for The Gates of Slumber under two critically acclaimed LPs. His first recorded performance with the band was under "Conqueror," the band's third studio album that was released in 2008 with rave reviews. In September 2009, the doom metal band came out with the album "Hymns of Blood and Thunder." This LP earned the band's best reviews of their career. "Hymns of Blood and Thunder" was even chosen as the album of the month by Decibel. It further declared stated that the band has become to be "one of the best heavy metal bands in the world."

Soon after, metal drummer Fouts moved and played live music and worked on sessions for several acts with Nachtmystium and Apostle of Solitude. The last band he played for is with Chrome Waves, a Chicago-based post-black metal group.

Chrome Waves was formed in the summer of 2010. On the band's official Facebook page, the band showed their disbelief in the sudden turn of events. "Rest in peace, Bob Fouts," was written. The post also added: "Still pretty distraught over this, so I'll leave the words to a minimum." It encouraged the fans to share Bob's music "with a friend today." The post showed a photo of the Iron doing what he did best - playing wildly on his drum set.

GoFundMe appeal

According to a launched campaign in the GoFundMe page, a fundraiser was posted by a certain Taylor Conner. He is requesting donations to cover for expenses of arrangements and funeral services for Fouts. He wrote that the drummer's "passing was unexpected" and that the family wanted to give him the farewell he deserves.