Riley Gale death: Power Trip frontman and ‘larger than life rockstar’ dies aged 34

Tributes are pouring in for singer who ‘treated everyone he met as a friend’

Riley Gale, pictured here performing with Power Trip in 2019, has died aged 34 (Rex)

Riley Gale, singer for the thrash metal band Power Trip, has died aged 34.

The news was confirmed in a family statement posted to the band's social media. The cause of Gale’s death has not been disclosed.

“It is with the greatest of sadness we must announce that our lead singer and brother Riley Gale passed away last night,” the band said.

“Riley was a friend, a brother, a son. Riley was both a larger than life rock star and a humble and giving friend. He touched so many lives through his lyrics and through his huge heart. He treated everyone he met as a friend and he always took care of his friends.

“We will celebrate Riley’s life and never forget the great works of music, charity, and love that he left behind. You, the fans, meant so much to him, please know how special you are. If you have a memory of Riley please share it, no matter how small, as we remember him.”

Gale formed Power Trip in 2008 while working an office job and attending the University of North Texas.

The band released two full-length albums via Southern Lord: 2013’s Manifest Decimation and Nightmare Logic, in 2017.

A politically outspoken artist, Gale explained how Nightmare Logic was a reaction to extreme wealth disparity and his idea of a “revolt” against the super-rich.

“If you don’t like our stances, don’t support our band,” he said in a 2018 Revolver interview. “It doesn’t make a single difference to us. ... We try to make it pretty clear that we might all be white males, but this is not a band for white males to enjoy and be dumb rednecks.”

The band is asking for privacy at this time, and donations to Dallas Hope Charities.

“Devastated to hear about Riley Gale’s passing,” music critic Kim Kelly wrote. ”Power Trip has had a massive impact on the metal community, and Riley’s ferocious drive and passion were such a big part of why. He was a great artist, a good friend, a real one. Metal won’t be the same without him.”

US actor and singer Jack Wagner tweeted: “Rest in Peace Riley Gale, sincerely one of the most wonderful people I‘ve ever known. I’ve been crying like a baby since I heard.

“Losing a friend is hard but I am so devastated imagining a world without Riley, he gave so much more to this world than he took from it.”