Former Nile/ Divine Heresy Bassist Joe Payne Dead at Age 35

Joe Payne, former bassist for Nile and Divine Heresy, has passed away at the age of 35. We do not know the cause of death at this time.

Divine Heresy guitarist Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) broke the news on social media, stating:

“Our Metal brother Joseph Payne has passed away. Another one gone way to young, he was 35 years old.

“I wasn’t going to say anything until I got confirmation from his family, which I now did. At this time no cause of death has been revealed.

“Joe was a great friend, a great band member and an incredible musician. Although he played bass in ‪Divine Heresy‬, he was an incredible guitarist. I first saw him playing bass in Nile and right then and there, I said, ‘I want that guy in my band.’ After having
that first conversation that night, I realized he was a great dude and from there on, we’ve shared some amazing moments in life and on tour, from Australia to South America to Canada to Mexico to Europe etc..

“We love you and we will miss you Rest In Peace my friend.
“-Dino Cazares”

Adds Payne’s friend Pascual Romero (Devil’s Throne, ex-Pathology, ex-In This Moment):

“My heart is utterly crushed right now. One of my best friends and road dogs for life, Joe Payne, has passed away. I’ve really lost a piece of my heart this morning.”

MetalSucks offers its deepest condolences to Joe’s loved ones. He has left us much, much too soon.

[via The PRP]