Anal C— Frontman Seth Putnam Dead at 43
Multiple media reports have indicated that on Saturday, June 11, Anal C--- frontman, Seth Putnam, suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 43. The band's publicist, Kim Kelly of Catharsis PR has confirmed the news of his death, initially via Twitter. She then elaborated eloquently via her personal blog -- which, please note, is not a press release or official statement. It's a personal response from an actual friend of the dearly departed.
"I want to remind everyone that no matter how outrageous and controversial his musical career has been, Seth was still a human being with friends and family that loved him. I'm hoping that the Internet will remember that," she writes. "This is a very sad and trying time for those that knew him, and the last thing they need to see is an outpouring of message board hate. The man lived and died by his own rules; if anything, respect him for that."
It's easy to see why someone close to Putnam would want to put that out there, immediately after confirming his death. A.C. have frequently been singled out as perhaps the most offensive band of all time, with titles including 'The Word Homophobic is Gay' and 'I Like Drugs and Child Abuse.' Of course, there's been a long-running debate over whether the band's message is serious, humorous or even an elaborate prank on their fans or, for that matter, anyone who takes their message more seriously than the music itself. The band have revealed few clues as to their actual intent.
A.C. -- who also goes by the abbreviation AxCx since their full name Anal C--- is often too offensive for use -- formed in the greater Boston area in 1988 and have seen their share of lineup changes and transformations over the years. But Putnam was always at the grindcore band's core. No news yet on whether or not the band will continue on without him.