Fans of Jeff LaBar took to social media to share heartfelt tributes after learning about his untimely death at age 58. Some individuals hoped the report was false.
Known for being a member of Cinderella, Jeff LaBar was a legendary guitarist for the glam metal band from 1985 until 2017, when they broke up. Sebastian LaBar, his son, confirmed his death on social media.
The grieving son, who is also an accomplished guitarist, shared a series of photos to remember his late father. In the caption, he wrote: "So i just got the call… @jefflabar, my father, my hero, my idol, passed away today [sic]."
Jeff Labar at DTE Energy Music Theater on August 18, 2012 in Clarkston, Michigan. | Photo: Getty Images
LOSS FOR WORDS
Sebastian added that he has no words to describe his emotions. Further, he expressed his love for his father. Sebastian also encouraged fans to share videos or photos of their time spent with his dad.
Immediately after Sebastian's announcement, supporters began posting heartfelt tributes to Jeff. Musician Priya Panda took to Twitter to share photos of the legendary guitarist. She wrote:
"I can't believe I'm writing this... RIP Jeff LaBar. Huge love for all you did for OUR genre, for our music. We love you forever [sic]."
MORE HEARTFELT TRIBUTES
Michael Sweet, a singer, tweeted that he is profoundly saddened by Jeff's passing. During their shows in Nashville, Sweet shared that he'd been honored to meet Jeff several times.
Meanwhile, musician Jasmine Cain wrote on Twitter, "And here I am...posting something I was hoping never to have to post." Cain called Jeff her "hero and friend." She said that she misses him already.
In the comments section of Jeff's Instagram post, many fans also expressed their sadness at his death. One woman expressed shock and disbelief at the news that her idol had passed away.
Gaile LaBar-Bernhardt, Jeff's first wife, said in an interview that the musician was found dead in his Nashville apartment on July 14. There's no information available about the cause of death.
However, Jeff admitted he had only remained sober for a year.
A SUCCESSFUL MUSICIAN
After guitarist Michael Kelly Smith quit Cinderella in 1985, Jeff became a member of the band. A year later, Cinderella's debut studio album, "Night Songs," was released after signing with Mercury Records.
Besides his work with Cinderella, Jeff played guitar for Naked Beggars and released a solo album entitled "One For The Road" in 2014. Furthermore, he had toured with celebrated musicians, including Bon Jovi.
According to an interview with the Another FN Podcast of Metal Edge Magazine in 2016, Jeff left the music industry behind him enrolled in The Art Institute of Tennessee's culinary arts program.
Additionally, Jeff admitted to the interviewer that he suffered from alcoholism and was sent to rehab. He was transformed into a better man after that. But Jeff confessed he had only remained sober for a year.
Jeff said he came off painkillers because of his hip surgery. He had a hip replacement, so everyone was eager to give him painkillers, which he needed. However, he went too far, being a party animal.
Upon being asked whether he was sober at the time, Jeff admitted that he was not, which was probably his problem. Because he was no longer speaking to the others, he could only speculate about what's going on.
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