Metal Bands Share Their Stories About Black Tusk's Athon

Bassist Jonathan Athon from Black Tusk passed away this weekend after being in a motorcycle crash, and since then many bands from across the metal community have commented on how Athon impacted their lives.

Skeletonwitch shared this story about Black Tusk:

"Many years ago we left Ohio, bound for Savannah, GA, to tour with some new friends in a band called Black Tusk. In a now legendary move (that we will never let him forget) Andrew from Black Tusk booked the shows on the wrong calendar year! This resulted in about 5 days off in a row while things got sorted out.

"Andrew, James, and Athon rolled out the red carpet (and about 500 beers) and let us move in to 'Black Tusk Manor' for those 5 days. We've been family ever since.

"Yesterday we lost a brother. Athon, we miss you. We will carry your music and the many, many, memories with us forever. Our thoughts are with Andrew, James, Athon's family, and the entire creative community in Savannah, where Jonathan Athon will be sorely missed."

Ramming Speed also issued this statement:

"Our heart's go out to Athon's family and the rest of Black Tusk. He, everyone else in the band and their road crew have always been the most amazingly kind, warm and hilarious people - whether at some random stop on one of our tours or when they came through Boston and crashed at the spot. Athon's perpetual smile will be missed by all and we could all hope to be seen as a friend by so many."

Read Fang had this to say: "We lost a great man today. Our hearts go out to Black Tusk and their families. Athon, you will be missed. Rest easy, brother. We love you."