In memory of ROZZ WILLIAMS

At the age of 34, Rozz Williams took his own life on April 1, 1998. As the founder of Christian Death (and later Shadow Project), he is considered a pioneer of American Gothic Rock/Death Rock. The albums “Only Theatre of Pain” (1982) and “Catastrophe Ballet” (1984) still have cult status today and have inspired many artists. Did you already know these 10 facts?

– Rozz Williams was born Roger Alan Painter on November 6, 1963 in Pomono, California.

– Even as a child, he loved listening to David Bowie, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, T. Rex, Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop.

– Christian Death was founded in October 1979 and left the band in mid-1985. Due to various circumstances, the band kept the name Christian Death.

– In 1981, Rozz founded Premature Ejaculation with performance artist Ron Athey. There were only a few live performances.

– In 1987 he founded Shadow Project with his wife Eva O.

– Rozz Williams collaborated with Gitane Demone for the album “Dream Home Heartache” (1995).

– In 1997, Rozz Williams came out as homosexual. He liked to perform in women’s clothing, which was in clear contrast to the hyper-masculinity that prevailed in the hardcore punk scene.

– In addition to his musical activities, Rozz was interested in painting and collage, and some of his works were exhibited at various dark art shows in Los Angeles and Atlanta. He was also co-director and film musician on “Pig”, an experimental psychological horror silent film from 1998, together with underground filmmaker Nico B.

– Williams hanged himself in the early hours of April 1, 1998, after watching the movie “Isadora”.

– He left a rose in the living room and the tarot card of the hanged man. But no farewell letter.

Listen to Christian Death in our “Gothic Rock Generations” playlist on Spotify: