Kirk Rundstrom of Split Lip Rayfield Passes Away

By Julene McCoy in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 23, 2007 6:56PM

Debauchery was the name of the game for the guys in Split Lip Rayfield until the Big C came into the picture and then what’s really important became clear. Back in January 2006, Kirk Rundstrom was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and endured harsh chemo treatments to try to stop the further spread of the cells – all to no avail. But, that didn’t stop him from doing what he loved, in fact it only made him fight stronger for what he loved – the music.

With a sense of what’s truly important, Kirk got Split Lip Rayfield back together for a last run of shows to take up what were to only be a few short more months of life. Kirk, the band, and fans all filled this final tour with the joyous abandon that music can all be about when it’s done right.

Kirk finally succumbed to the cancer yesterday, February 22. His energy and relentless passion are already missed at Bloodshot and everywhere else that Kirk’s music was heard. He went out on his own terms - rocking to the end.

Heartfelt goodbye at lawrence.com

YouTube video via robshoffner. Rob's remarks about the video: Kirk Rundstrom, of Split Lip Rayfield, unveiled some new tunes as his solo band rocked out the Bottleneck in Lawrence, Ks. Split Lip bandmate, Eric Mardis, can be seen shredding the electric guitar.