Jim Durkin, the guitarist for Thrash Metal veterans Dark Angel, has died aged 58. The news was confirmed by Jim’s wife, Annie Durkin. Jim and Annie were married for 34 years.
The news has left Annie shattered by her loss, and a GoFundMe collection has been set up as she needs assistance to cover the costs of her husband’s final arrangements and medical bills.
“With a broken and heavy heart, I want to share that the love of my life, my best friend and husband, Jimmy, passed away Wednesday morning,” Annie said. “He was not alone as I was with him, along with a few close friends until the end. He will be truly missed, and no one can ever replace the love I have for him. May he rest in peace. Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours … My Immortal Beloved. I will see you again.”
Dark Angel have paid tribute to Durkin. “We in the Dark Angel family are deeply saddened and crushed today with the news of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin passing away Wednesday morning,” they wrote. “We would like to thank his fans for their continuous loyalty and support. We will come out with a full statement very soon. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy while we mourn the loss of this great man.”
Currently, the fundraiser is at 25% of its total. “While best known for creating ear-blistering, adrenaline-inducing, soul-slaughtering guitar riffs and writing songs that would become legendary in a genre of Metal that his band helped create,” Annie and Karlos Medina write, “he was also a gentle giant with an incredible singing voice who would stop everything to move an injured animal — insect, bird, reptile, mammal — out of harm’s way.
“Humble to his core, he never understood why anyone made a fuss about him. It is inconceivable, unjust, and utterly devastating for a human being as beautiful as Jim to be taken from us. He will always remain a shining example of the tenacity of the human spirit.”
Any additional funds will go toward keeping the home that has been an oasis of hospitality for so many touring musicians passing through Los Angeles.
“We are grateful to anyone who is moved to donate,” Annie and Karlos said. “Contributions of any amount would be deeply appreciated. Your shared memories, photos, and words of support will provide much-needed solace in this time of incredible sorrow.”
Please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraising-for-jim-durkins-medical-memorial to help.
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Jim Durkin / Dark Angel guitarist dies aged 58 and wife Annie needs our help first appeared on
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