Local Music Community Mourns Death Of Influential Drummer

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 11, 2016 3:30PM

William Bumgardner

William Bumgardner was the drummer for a number of influential Chicago bands, including Lord Mantis, Indian and Sybris. News that Bumgardner passed away broke Monday. According to his ex-Lord Mantic bandmate Ken Sorceron, Bumgardner took his own life on Sunday.

This writer only knew Bumgardner tangentially, but even my glancing acquaintance with him left a lasting impression—he was wild and full of a zest for life. And he was a monster drummer.

Anyone who has a connection to Bumgardner was surely touched by the vast number of online remembrances over the last day, and it's obvious his passing leaves a huge whole in the lives of those he touched. While the previous two clips show off Bumgardner's sheer power behind the kit, this earlier video from his time in Sybris shows that he possessed an incredible range as well.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel (1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL). A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until the time of the memorial service.

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone, remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or objects that could be used in a suicide attempt, and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Or take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental-health professional.