Bob Heathcote, former Suicidal Tendencies bassist, has died at the age of 58 as a result of a motorcycle accident.
The news of Heathcote's tragic death was shared in a social media post by his son, Chris, who warmly remembered Bob as a family man with a passion for traveling, race cars and Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, as well as music.
As a member of crossover thrash icons Suicidal Tendencies from 1987 through 1989, Heathcote contributed to the group's sophomore album, 1988's How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today. Upon his exit in the late '80s, he was replaced by Rob Trujillo (now of Metallica fame), who remained in the band until 1995.
Chris noted that Bob, outside of music, worked in the technology and photography industries. Separately, he also shared a link to a GoFundMe page where donations will help the Heathcote family with related expenses.
Chris' full remembrance post can be read directly below.
My father Bob Heathcote has left this earth after 58 years and nearly two months, due to a motorcycle accident. I cannot put words together other than the fact that this is a loss I will hardly recover (if ever), and the fact that he was a hard working father who raised five children, including me. His interests included music, traveling, race cars and attending race tracks. He was also a supporter of the Dodgers.
In addition to his work in the technology and photography industries, dad gained a bit of publicity in the late 80's as the bass player of the legendary punk/metal act Suicidal Tendencies. His tenure with S.T. lasted for just one album, the Epic Records release "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today", which spawned the hits "Trip at the Brain" and the title track "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow". Those two songs garnered airplay from Headbangers Ball on MTV and active rock radio stations, including the defunct legendary Long Beach-based radio station 105.5 KNAC. After that album, he left S.T. and the band would replace him with future Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo.
Each and every moment I've shared with my dad will forever remain as a treat. Thank you dad for everything you did for me and my family. I will miss not only your keen sense of humor, but you and me doing a lot of things we loved doing together, including talking about or listening to music, traveling, going to the beach, going to Mexican restaurants, attending Dodger games, etc.
R.I.P. Robert Monroe Heathcote
May 27th, 1964 - July 24th, 2022
Loudwires extends our condolences to the Heathcote family and to all who were close with Bob. Rest in peace.
