Tributes Pour In for Bill Crook, Beloved Musician from Victoria

Bill Crook, the former bassist of the popular Victoria metal band Spiritbox, has sadly passed away. The news was shared on social media by Kai Turmann, a close friend and bandmate from the band A Textbook Tragedy.

In an emotional Instagram post, Turmann expressed his devastation, saying, “I’m so profoundly sad to say that our dear friend Bill Crook has passed away. He was loved by so many, and I’m incredibly sorry to share this sad news with you.” The post quickly garnered over 160 comments, showing how much Crook meant to his friends and fans.

Crook was an essential part of the Vancouver music scene, known for his work with A Textbook Tragedy and Living With Lions. He played live with Spiritbox from 2018 until 2022, contributing to their acclaimed 2021 album, Eternal Blue.

His musical talents extended beyond Spiritbox, as he also provided backing vocals for hardcore bands like Comeback Kid and Misery Signals. Many fans have shared videos of Crook’s impressive live performances, highlighting his heavy bass lines and vibrant stage presence.

Recently, Crook shared a glimpse of his creative process on Instagram, showing him working in the studio with Underoath’s Aaron Gillespie. It was evident that he was passionate about music and excited about his projects.

After Crook departed from Spiritbox in May 2022, he was replaced by Josh Gilbert, formerly of As I Lay Dying. His departure was described as mutual, with no hard feelings expressed by either party.

In memory of Crook, many of his former bandmates and friends have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes. Adam Christianson, the guitarist for the U.K. band Architects, reminisced about their shared memories, saying, “You were such a huge part of my life, and I’ll never forget you.”

Pale Chord Music, the label for Spiritbox, has asked for privacy, saying that the band members need “time and space to process their loss.”