RIP to the OG Guitarist of Kick Axe 🎸🕊️
‘80’s rocker dies after ‘courageous battle with cancer’. Larry Gillstrom, the guitarist from Kick Axe, just dipped after fighting cancer. He was still shredding on stage last year and even cooking up a new album. F's in the chat for a legend. Details for his celebration of life coming soon, so stay
TL:DR
Larry Gillstrom, the guitarist from Kick Axe, just dipped after fighting cancer. He was still shredding on stage last year and even cooking up a new album. F's in the chat for a legend. Details for his celebration of life coming soon, so stay tuned.
The Deets
Okay, fam, gather 'round. We gotta give it up for Larry Gillstrom, the absolute legend on guitar for Kick Axe. He was 70 years young when he, like, finally logged off on August 4, 2025, after battling cancer. Mad respect for fighting the good fight.
Even though he was dealing with that, he was still out here playing live shows with the band in 2024, with his last gig being November 23, 2024. Plus, they were in the lab cooking up a new album! This man was dedicated, no cap.
For those who don't know, Kick Axe was a whole vibe back in the '80s hard rock scene. They dropped the album "Vices" in '84, which was straight fire. Tracks like "Heavy Metal Shuffle" and their spin on "With a Little Help From My Friends" had everyone vibing. They even toured with some major players like Judas Priest, Scorpions, Rush, Quiet Riot, Triumph, Metallica, and Whitesnake. Talk about a resume, sheesh!
The band posted a tribute on Instagram, telling everyone to stream their music. Keep an eye out for deets on a celebration of life for Larry. He will be missed.
Abbreviations Glossary
| Abbreviation | Full Form |
|---|---|
| RIP | Rest In Peace |
| OG | Original Gangster, someone who is an original or a legend. |
| Dipped | Passed away, left the scene. |
| F's in the chat | An expression of respect and condolences, often used online. |
| No cap | Seriously, no lie, for real. |
| Gigs | Shows |
| Vibing | Enjoying something. |
| Deets | Details. |
| Sheesh | An expression of awe or disbelief. |