Bruce Loose, the longtime singer-bassist of Flipper, has died at age 66. The San Francisco punk act has influenced countless other bands, including Nirvana, and even featured Krist Novoselic as their bassist for a brief time.
A posting on the “Who Cares Anyways SF” Instagram page reads, “After a prolonged struggle with life, Bruce ‘Loose’ Calderwood of Flipper passed away from an apparent heart attack earlier this week at the age of 66.” His passing was also confirmed on Flipper’s official Facebook page.
After the band formed in 1979, Loose almost immediately replaced original singer Ricky Williams. He shared vocal and bass duties with Will Shatter, who died in 1987. Loose remained with Flipper until 2015, when he decided to walk away from the band. In the years since, Jesus Lizard vocalist David Yow has fronted Flipper.
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Flipper were a big influence on Kurt Cobain, who wore a self-made Flipper T-shirt during Nirvana’s appearance on Saturday Night Live and in the video for “Come As You Are.”
Novoselic joined the band from 2006 through 2009, and they often performed Nirvana’s ‘Scentless Apprentice,” which Flipper covered for a 2000 compilation.
In addition to Nirvana, Flipper have influenced R.E.M., the Melvins, Jane’s Addiction, and others.
Our condolences go out to Bruce Loose’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time.
