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Former Weezer Bassist Mikey Welsh Found Dead in Chicago Hotel

By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 9, 2011 6:45PM

Former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh was found dead in his room at the Raffaello Hotel Saturday afternoon. Officials suspect his death was a result of a drug overdose. Welsh was in town to catch Weezer's performance tonight at RiotFest.

Welsh played with Weezer from 1998 until 2001, when he left the band after he had a nervous breakdown. He has since concentrated on his art. Welsh occasionally joined Weezer on stage, including a few times this summer. Below is video of the band playing "Island in the Sun" at the Del Mar Concert Series in California this summer.