Iconic Filmmaker David Lynch Dead at 78

Trailblazer. Visionary. Icon. There are so many words that honestly could describe the filmmaking career of David Lynch. Sadly, the auteur known for crafting wildly odd, yet strangely familiar pieces of surrealist art like Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet has passed away at 78 years old.

News of his passing was made public in a statement made by his family, who not only requested privacy, but playfully hinted at those fun weather reports Lynch would often make on his YouTube page.

“It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’

“It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”

Having been diagnosed with emphysema back in 2000, Lynch eventually found himself sequestered to his home due to the illness, as he required supplemental oxygen to breathe.

Lynch’s work had not only inspired and influenced countless people in the film industry, but his works also sparked the minds of those in the metal world as well. In particular, his television series Twin Peaks from the early 90s served as the inspiration for Anthrax’s song “Black Lodge” off of their 1993 album Sound of White Noise, while the Mike Patton-fronted project Fantômas performed “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” on their 2001 album Director’s Cut. Blind Guardian referenced Twin Peaks multiple times, as have Swallow the Sun and Dødheimsgard. Chimaira, Enforcer, Armagedda, Aborym… the list goes on.

But the appreciation went both ways, too. While he was a fan of the blues, he said he was exposed to metal by one of his sons. Still, he managed to fit Rammstein and Powermad in his films Wild at Heart and Lost Highway.

It’s a sad day. Not just for the idea of artistic expression or filmmaking or for nerdy metalheads that enjoyed Lynch’s unique eye, but for the world. Because without Lynch, the world’s gotten a little less odd.

We at MetalSucks want to extend our condolences to Lynch’s loved ones during this time.