Piledriver Frontman Gord Kirchin Dead at 60
We quietly lost a metal legend last week when Piledriver frontman Gord Kirchin lost his battle with lung cancer. He was 60 years old.
News of his passing came via social media, as his sister Tina posted a heartfelt goodbye to her sibling.
“Before I got to the hospital he played two songs for me on Sirius XM, “Home Sweet Home” — “I’m on my way please set me free home sweet home” and of course KISS “Rock n Roll All Night.” I know for a fact he sent me that message. He passed while I was on my way.
“I’m heartbroken, so so heartbroken, but I know he will be playing music with all his Idols over there. Namely Frank Zappa.
“I will miss him immensely, the laughs, his nickname for me, the silliness, his mind-blowing musical talent. He called me his mini-me.
“A close friend of his made this Piledriver poster. [See below.] So grateful to every one of his friends and fans, you kept him going for as long as he could.
“Rest in power Gordy, Teener will see you again, please give mom and dad a hug and kiss for me.”
Sadly, it was only a few weeks ago that Kirchin himself posted on his Facebook page that he’d had a positive outlook on his struggle with cancer after completing his final round of chemo. While he admitted that it had been a tough battle, he was hoping the treatments were successful.
“I’m not without my battle scars to carry for the rest of my days; severe scarring in the lungs from the initial infection on top of the scarring from radiation, and it severely reducing my oxygen uptake leaving me gasping after even light exertion, and the radiation damage to my esophagus, windpipe and throat possibly ending my live singing career… so… gonna have to shift gears and purpose. Anyone need mixing / mastering /turd polishing done? I’m your old school man!
“The crux of the biscuit is I’m alive! I’m still here! I’m vertical and mobile! I still got me some great living to do! Let’s get past the next 8-10 weeks of recovery and get back to living!!! Fuuuuuuuuuuuck cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Piledriver came onto the scene in 1984 with their debut record, Metal Inquisition, and gained loyal thrash fans at home in Canada and abroad. The band maintained underground, cult appeal throughout their career, and fans showed love and support as Kirchin battled against cancer.
Rest in Power Gord Kirchin. We wish his friends and family our deepest condolences.
