Surfer Blood Guitarist Thomas Fekete Has Died

Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete has died. The news was shared by his wife, who said he passed away last night. The cause was complications from a rare form of cancer, which Fekete was diagnosed with last year. "I am full of comfort knowing that he is now free, and long for the day I get to be with him again," she wrote on the GoFundMe page established to assist with the costs of treatment. Update (11:31 a.m.): The band paid tribute to Fekete on Twitter. Find that below.

Fekete was a founding member of Surfer Blood, who formed in 2009. Surfer Blood released three studio albums and one EP, all of which Fekete played on. Last year, he left the band after being diagnosed with cancer. In November, the band enlisted Real Estate, Yo La Tengo, Guided by Voices, Yoko Ono, Interpol, and other artists in auctioning off unreleased songs to raise funds. In December, Fekete released Burner, a cassette of solo music.

On the GoFundMe page, his wife wrote:

Our sweet Thomas passed on last night, peacefully in his sleep, holding my hand. With one last sigh, he let go of the burden of pain and suffering that he has been bravely carrying for so long. I am full of comfort knowing that he is now free, and long for the day I get to be with him again.

May we all carry on Thomas' legacy by being the very best versions of ourselves for the rest of our days, and do as much as we can to help others in his honor. If we can strive to be half the person Thomas was, this world will be a better place.

I plan to host a celebration of his life here on the beach in South Florida, the first weekend of July, just after his birthday on 1st. I will share specific details as soon as possible. I invite anyone who holds Thomas in their hearts to please join me in celebrating him.

It was an absolute privilege to stand next to Thomas and face this monster head on. Even as his body failed him, his mind and spirit soldiered on. Never was there a day that we weren't filled with hope. Never was there a day that he even considered throwing in the towel. He was the kind hearted, funny, fearless, magnetic beam of light you all knew him to be up until his very last breath.

Thomas John Fekete, I love you and live for you. Nothing will make me more proud than being able to call myself your wife.

Now, my beautiful angel, go find Bowie and jam.