Original Ratos de Porão Bassist Jarbas “Jabá” Alves Dead at 60

Brazilian crossover band Ratos de Porão just announced that founding member Jarbas “Jabá” Alves has passed away at the age of 60.

Alves was in the band between 1981 and 1993 and and performed on all the albums between Crucificados Pelo Sistema in 1984 and RDP Vivo in 1992, including Descanse Em Paz (1986), Cada Dia Mais Sujo e Agressivo (1987), Brasil (1989), and Anarkophobia (1991).

Slightly lesser known in the U.S., but still beloved worldwide in metal and punk circles, Ratos de Porão are hailed as one of the original crossover bands to tie together punk and thrash and lay the foundations for hardcore and metalcore. They started in and stayed based out of Brazil, but also toured the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world.

The news was originally shared on Instagram, where the band posted saying: “Descanse em paz amigo Jarbas,” which translates to “Rest in peace, friend Jarbas.” Max Cavalera, probably the most famous Brazilian musician in heavy music throughout history, also paid respects by saying:

“Descanse em paz irmão Jaba Xoba !!! Rest in peace brother Jaba.”

So far, Jabá’s cause of death has not been revealed, but he has been dealing with liver issues for much of his life, so that could likely be the reason he passed. After he left the band back in the ’90s, vocalist João Gordo stepped in and joined the group.

Jabá also struggled with addiction issues while in the band, and left just before they released their 1994, all-English lyrics album, Just Another Crime in Massacreland.

Our hearts go out to Jabá’s friends and family as they morn his loss.