LaBar died from unknown causes
Cinderella guitarist Jeff LaBar has died at the age of 58 from unknown causes. His son Sebastian of the band Tantric shared the news on social media today (Wed, July 14th).
“So i just got the call… @jefflabar , my father, my hero, my idol, passed away today. I’m currently at a loss for words. I love you pop! ❤️ if you could, please share pictures or video of all the fun times we all had with my dad. It would be greatly appreciated,” Sebastian writes with a younger photo of the father and son.
His ex-wife Gaile LaBar-Bernhardt tells TMZ he was not reachable the last few days and found him dead inside his Nashville apartment Wednesday.
His Cinderella bandmates — vocalist Tom Kiefer, drummer Fred Coury and bassist Eric Brittingham — released a statement.
“Heavy hearts cannot begin to describe the feeling of losing our brother Jeff. The bond between us over decades of creating music and touring the world is something we as a band uniquely shared. Those memories with Jeff will be forever alive in our hearts. It’s unimaginable that one of our brothers has left us. We’re sending his wife Debinique, his son Sebastian, family, and friends our deepest condolences,” they write jointly.
“Jeff’s memory and music will be with us forever. We all… band, family and management appreciate the overwhelming outpouring of love. Rest In Peace, Jeff.”
Many in the rock community have shared their memories and condolences on social media.
“Blown away hearing about Jeff LaBar. I can’t count the amount of shows we all did together with Cinderella and Poison. Rest In Peace my Brother,” shares Poison drummer Rikki Rockett.
“In the middle of a TV shoot and on a break and just hearing now of Jeff LaBar passing away. Condolences to his family, friends and fans. Tragic sad news. Great guy who will be missed. RIP,” rock historian and radio/TV personality Eddie Trunk tweets.
“Just heard that my pal and Philadelphia Eagles compadre Jeff LaBar passed away today!!! This is a tough one!!!! A great guitar player, Dad, and a incredibly sweet funny guy!!!! Rest In Peace buddy!!!!” John Corabi writes.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Jeff LaBar. I had the honor of meeting Jeff multiple times when he would attend our shows in Nashville, Tn,” shares Stryper’s Michael Sweet on Instagram.
“He was always a gentleman and very kind and complimentary. He was always very supportive of our band and I’ve always viewed him as a great guy with a big heart. May God bless you Jeff and may God bless the LaBar family, friends and fans worldwide. Godspeed my friend.”
LaBar joined the Philadelphia blues-based glam metal band in 1985 and recorded guitars on all four of the band’s studio albums from 1986’s Night Songs through 1994’s Still Climbing. The band went largely inactive after Still Climbing due to Keifer’s recurring vocal issues. They reunited in the early ’00s for a series of tours with their last being in 2012. LaBar also released a solo album in 2014.
