Tributes have been paid to American singer-songwriter Todd Snider, who has died at the age of 59
AUSTIN, TEXAS – AUGUST 28: Todd Snider performs in support of Robert Earl Keen’s 2022 Final Tour, “I’m Comin’ Home: 41 Years On The Road” at ACL Live on August 28, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)(Image: Rick Kern/WireImage)
Influential alt-country singer-songwriter Todd Snider has passed away aged 59, just weeks after he sustained “severe injuries” in an alleged assault.
His record label said yesterday in a statement posted to his social media accounts that Snider died Friday.
The statement revealed that Snider had been taken to hospital, and a subsequent update informed his heartbroken fans that the star had tragically “departed this world”.
It was confirmed he had been battling an undiagnosed case of pneumonia.
Days prior to his tragic passing, the star was detained outside a hospital in Salt Lake City after declining to leave after he was discharged, telling officers he remained in pain and required treatment. He stated: “I have a band, I’m famous – they ditched me.”
Snider’s record label said in a statement posted to his social media accounts that the musician died Friday
Todd’s music blended folk, rock, blues, alt country, and funk. He produced 14 studio albums and his tracks included Alright Guy and Talking Reality Television Blues, which was covered by Sir Tom Jones.
In 2021, he was honoured with induction into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame in his hometown of Portland, reports the Mirror.
A statement confirming Todd’s death on his Instagram page read: “Where do we find the words for the one who always had the right words, who knew how to distill everything down to its essence with words and song while delivering the most devastating, hilarious, and impactful turn of phrases?
“Always crafting rhyme and rhythm that instantly felt like an old mate or a cherished blanket. Someone who could nearly always find the humour in this mad journey on Planet Earth.”
The tribute went on: “He conveyed so much gentleness and sensitivity through his songs, and showed many of us how to view the world from a different perspective.
“He rose every morning and began writing, constantly striving to find his spot amongst the songwriting titans that sat on his record shelves, those same giants who welcomed him into their lives and mentored him, whom he studied relentlessly. Guy Clark, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Jeff Walker.
Todd Snider of Hard Working Americans performs at the Fox Theater on November 17, 2017 in Oakland, California
“How do we progress without the one who provided us countless 90-minute diversions from our looming doom? The one who always had 18 minutes to share a tale. We’ll do it by carrying his stories and songs that contain messages of love, compassion, and peace with us.
“Today, put on one of your favourite Todd Snider records and ‘play it loud enough to wake up all of your neighbours or at least loud enough to always wake yourself up’. We love you Todd, sail on old mate, we’ll see you again out there on the road somewhere down the line. You will always be a force of nature.”
An announcement on November 3 revealed to fans that Todd’s High, Lonesome and Then Some 2025 tour dates were being scrapped. It stated: “Ahead of Todd Snider’s show in Salt Lake City, Todd sustained serious injuries as the victim of a violent assault outside of his hotel.
“Todd will be unable to perform for an undetermined amount of time. We deeply apologise for the cancellation and any inconvenience it causes. We appreciate your understanding as Todd receives needed medical treatment.”
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