Van Conner, Screaming Trees Co-Founder and Bassist, Dead at 55

Another founding member of ’90s grunge outfit Screaming Trees has died. According to a social media post made by his brother, Screaming Trees bassist Van Conner died last night, aged 55 years old.

“Van Conner bassist and song writer of Screaming Trees died last night of an extended illness at 55. It was pneumonia that got him in the end. He was one of the closest friends I ever had and I loved him immensely. I will miss him forever and ever and ever.”

Brothers Van Conner and Gary Lee formed Screaming Trees in 1984 with singer Mark Lanegan, who died last year aged 57. Screaming Trees had a direct influence on the grunge movement of the ’90s. When Lanegan died, MetalSucks’ former editor Emperor Rhombus wrote that Screaming Trees helped to develop the “outsider fringe of heavy music while its more mainstream face was in the spotlight.”

In addition to his work with Screaming Trees, Conner released music with Solomon Grundy and Gardener, among others. MetalSucks sends our condolences to his family and friends.