Rage Co-founder/Guitarist Jochen Schröder Has Died

Rage co-founder/guitarist Jochen Schröder has passed away. He was only 58 years old. No cause of death has been publicly revealed.

Schröder played with the German heavy metal outfit from their formation in 1982 through 1987, eventually leaving the music industry entirely. He played on the band’s first two official albums, Reign of Fear and Execution Guaranteed, and also recorded on three demos, an album and an EP with Avenger before the outfit changed their name to Rage.

Rage announced the news on social media, published on Friday, September 3, along with a personal statement from fellow founding member, bassist and vocalist Peter “Peavey” Wagner. The band’s post reads in full:

“It is our deepest regret to inform you that Avenger/Rage co-founder and guitarist Jochen Schroeder has left this earth under rather tragic circumstances. From 1982 to 1987 Jochen was not only the guitar player for Avenger/Rage but also co-composed a lot of their early songs. In that he was an important driver of the band’s development and with his unique ideas paved the stylistic way of the band.

“Jochen hadn’t been a part of the music business for a long time and in recent years became more and more private. Unfortunately, the exact circumstances surrounding his cause of death are unknown to us at the time. We’re mourning the loss of a great bandmate who left this world far too soon.

“Peavy: the news about the passing of my old friend and bandmate Jochen saddens me deeply. In recent years we lost track of each other, but I’ll always remember the good and exciting times we had together. Jochen taught me a lot back then and I owe him for that. In life it is rare to meet someone who gives you the impulses that send you down the right path. Jochen was that person to me and I couldn’t have done it without him. Thank you, Jochen, I wish you all the best on your travels, wherever you may wander… Peavy”

On behalf of everyone at MetalSucks, we wish Jochen’s family, friends and former bandmates all the best during this time.