SPONGE Founding Member MIKE CROSS Dead At 57

Mike Cross, a founding member and guitarist of American rock band Sponge, has passed away. He was 57 years old.

Sponge shared the sad news via social media, stating: "It is with heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Mike Cross. One of the musical architects and founding member of Sponge. His influence and talent will be missed."

Prior to Sponge, Cross (real name Mike Rygiel) was the guitarist for Loudhouse. More recently, Cross returned fronting his own band, MC Roads, who released the No Nostalgia EP in 2021 via Golden Robot Records.

Golden Robot Records pays tribute to Mike Cross, stating: "We are devastated to hear of the passing of our rock n roll brother and GRR family member - Mike Cross. What a gracious, wonderful human who had the voice of a husky angel and played guitar like the best of them, all of our global team wish music love to his brother Tim, band mates, friends and family. A sad day for rock n roll but a great day for that ever expanding rock band in heaven.. Who we are sure Mike is part of now. We will miss you Mike." xxx

A message posted at the MC Roads Facbook page reads: "It is with overwhelming sadness and shock that we inform you that Mike Cross passed away Sunday March 6th. Mike was a founding member and lead guitarist of Loudhouse and Sponge which produced the gold (and then some) record Rotting Piñata. In recent years Mike formed MC Roads and released the EP No Nostalgia. Taking the new music on the road was going to be the next step. Gone way too soon. We love you so much Mike."