If you are an fan of punk rock music, and familiar with bands like The Foo Fighters, Yellowcard, and Blink 182, you are probably familiar with the band called No Use For a Name, led by Tony Sly, who unfortunately died on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012..
Tony Sly joined No Use for a Name at the age of 18 years old (1989), a band that was originally formed in 1987 with guitar-player Chris Dodge, drummer Steve Papoutsis, drummer Rory Koff, and vocalist John Meyer (note: not John Mayer). A year later, No Use For a Name signed a recording contract with New Red Archives and released the albums: Incognito (1990) and Don’t Miss the Train (1992).
In 2004, Tony Sly, along with Joey Cape (frontman of Lagwagon), released an acoustic punk album (appropriately titled “Acoustic”), and in 2008, Sly started releasing demos for his new musical path of acoustic folk punk. This kickstarted his solo career; however, still working with No Use For a Name at the same time. Even though Sly was concentrating more on his solo career.
To see Tony Sly performing with Joey Cope during their acoustic folk punk sessions, I have provided a video below of Sly, Cope, and Jon Snodgrass performing “Dumb Reminders.”
On August 1st, 2012, Fat Wreck Chords (the label that released No Use For a Name‘s third and future albums) announced on their website that Tony Sly had died with this statement:
It is with great sorrow that we must say goodbye to Tony Sly of No Use For A Name. We received a call earlier today of his passing, and are devastated. We have lost an incredible talent, friend, and father – one of the true greats. Fat Mike had this to say: “One of my dearest friends and favorite song writers has gone way too soon. Tony, you will be greatly missed.”
Various fans of Sly have left their condolences via Twitter:
RIP Tony Sly. So crushed. Thank you for the music. I’ll be keeping the great memories of fantastic live shows in England, France and Germany
Sad about tony sly. Lot of great memories listening to those records. Rip
We want to take the time to acknowledge Tony Sly, who just passed away. You are one of the reasons we got into Pop-Punk. Rest in Peace man<3
Still in shock about Tony Sly’s passing. Reminds us all to live each day to the fullest. Go all out! Hold your loved ones close. Breathe.
We are truly saddened to hear about the passing of our friend Tony Sly. He was an amazing song writer and an amazing person. RIP Tony Sly
Tony sly, you wrote some solid songs. When we were just starting out, you generously let us crash your hotel floor. Stay gold man. Godspeed.