Remy Zero Drummer Gregory Slay Dies at 40
- Posted on Jan 2nd 2010 9:00AM by Steve Baltin
- Comments (33)
Former Remy Zero drummer Gregory Slay passed away New Year's Day following a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. He was 40.In spite of the illness, Slay found immediate success with the Birmingham, Ala.-based band when the group's demo famously landed in the hands of Radiohead, who were so impressed they invited Remy Zero to join them on their 'Bends' tour. From there, Remy Zero went on to record three albums, scoring hit singles with 1998's 'Prophecy' and 2001's 'Save Me.' The latter would be their last hit; they disbanded in 2003. While there was talk of reuniting in 2006, the band decided to make the hiatus permanent and continue with their individual projects.
For Slay, that meant working on his own music as Sleepwell and various other projects, including his Emmy-nominated work on the theme song for the television series 'Nip/Tuck.' He also worked frequently with his former Remy Zero band mates, most recently teaming up with guitarist Jeffrey Cain on an album produced for Mobile, Ala. musician Eliot Morris called 'All Things In Time.'
The strong bond between the group is evidenced by the statement they issued on Slay's passing.
"Our beloved friend, partner, brother, master musician, beautiful artist -- passed away this morning, January 1, 2010. He was in a peaceful place and surrounded by his family. We are so grateful for the time we were allowed with each other and for the wonderful opportunity to create with him for so many years. Gregory inspired all who had the chance to see him perform, to hear the music that he made or just to be around his bountiful spirit. He will be greatly missed.With our deepest love ... Jeffrey Cain, Cedric LeMoyne, Cinjun Tate and Shelby Tate -- the members of Remy Zero."
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
CF Momat 1-04-2010
I pray for his family in their time of mourning and for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. What a blessing to have him for 40 years when we are told our children stricken with Cystic Fibrosis will die at a much younger age. I hope all his fans will send donations to find a cure. May God's glory be seen in his life.
Carolat 1-04-2010
I too know how hard it is to have this disease. My friend C`eline Dion, her niece Karine developed this, and she died in C`elines arms when she was 16. Oh what a feeling, she was just so sad. I think they have a cure, but they just haven't come out with it. If not, I think it has passed it's time where they get on the ball. It's a rough feeling not to be able to breath. It's the way of living, and we don't need this. People in Canada have a Hospital called St. Justines, and they are doing a very good job in helping the children. All I know is God has taken these people under his wings, and gives them peace and rest. His children will not suffer any more. I offer sympathy to all who have encountered this sickness. My friend C`eline always donates her time along with her Husband Rene` to give as much as they can to help all who suffer. I am proud of her, she is an Angel. She does her charitable duties here on earth, while God takes those who he brings to him. God's Love to every person aflicted with CF..
jnrentzat 1-04-2010
Cystic Fibrosis is an evil disease. Perhaps America instead of wasting billions on foreign aid, should stop foreign aid, and invest in a vast medical research project to find treatments and cures for those diseases that still plague us.
Cystic Fibrosis would be on my list to research along with Cancer, especially Pancreatic Cancer. Also additional research needs to be dome in rare diseases, and in curing grevious injuries, such as those involving the spinal cord.
But no, we will continue to give away BILLIONS of dollars every year in order to try and make some ungrateful foreigners like us.
Imagine what a major medical research insitution such as Johns Hopkins, out of Baltimore, Maryland could do with an extra Billion dollars a year?
Please remember that medical research in America benefits the whole world.
annaat 1-04-2010
My heart goes out to his family and band members. Cystic Fibrosis is horriable for anyone to live with . I just hope one day there is a cure, too many of our childern and adults die way to young from this. I have a son with this condition ,it is horriable. May God Bless his family
Chrisat 1-04-2010
Thank you Gregory for sharing your talent with the world despite your illness. May you RIP and keep on Entertaining those above.
jdrummysat 1-05-2010
yes- im sure as we speak he's doing a drum solo with john bonham and keith moon (dummy).
Kayat 1-04-2010
I lost a son 10 years ago with Cystic Fibrosis, he was only 19, may your son and friend rest in peace
Jenniferat 1-05-2010
Remy Zero was a great band. I saw them play live 3x and the drummer brought so much energy to the shows. He was very charismatic and talented. Condolences to his friends and family.
MEMEMEMEat 1-04-2010
Too bad that's not Greg's picture!!!
michaelat 1-04-2010
I'll be in prayer Alex and his complete disrespect for those who pass.
I hope someday someone will actually miss you when you pass.
OHMEIBALZICHat 1-04-2010
NEVER HEARD OF THE GUY, OR HIS GROUP. BUT SORRY HE DIED.
Debraat 1-04-2010
Ohmeibalzich: You said that you've never heard of the band. I don't know if you're familiar with the t.v. series, "Smallville", (about Clark Kent & Lois Lane), but the theme song is done by that group. Very good song.
Cherylat 1-04-2010
His age of 40 gives much hope that there is improvement in treatments. We hope for a cure!! We have a grandson 15 with it. Diagnosed at 2 weeks.. Do the readers know it is hereditary and that most states r now testing at birth?? My sympathy to his family and friends. Check out the Great Strides pages for CF.
ZeroCircleat 1-04-2010
Amazing and warm soul, the type who'd let an awkward wide-eyed college kid he barely knew crash on the floor. I'll miss him.
Reeat 1-04-2010
I love the song 'save me'. I have CF as well, I'm happy he had success in spite of it as it is a truly crap way to live life. I'm sure he is at peace, and can finally breathe. People, don't take one of lifes most basic bodily functions for granted.
Lisa G RCPat 1-04-2010
Cystic Fibrosis is a horrible disease. The treatment for CF has come along way. There has been research such as gene therapy to find out if couples are carriers of the cf gene. There are new forms of medications and therapies developed in the past 10 years. This was through research. Research is a very difficult, long process, unfortunately. New discoveries are happening every day. It is just a shame that many people w/ CF, have to die so soon. Many of these kids, are not fortunate to live to see 20, much less 40 years. This is a testament to this young man's dedication to doing his therapies. As, a respiratory therapist, I have seen too many young people die from this disease. DONATE TO THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION!!!
Robat 1-04-2010
What exactly is cystic fibrosis? I know I can google it but I like hearing other peoples definitions better...more true..
Thanks
tgat 1-04-2010
It is an awful disease, yes... most do not live past 20. Therapies are intensive and life long, you are more prone to other illnesses along the way. You can be a carrier of the gene and have children without the disease, yet they too are carriers. As I understand, it takes 2 carriers of the gene to then have a child that will then have CF. Because of the fact that those 2 parents may be 'just carriers' it is not suspected or tested for before the of time of conception. Unfortunately, it is generally found out after a child is born. Unfortunately, most people find out that they are a carrier when there is an instance of CF in the family already.
Melissa Geriahat 1-04-2010
Greg was a personal friend. His talents and beautiful soul will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his beautiful wife and daughter. His music will live forever.
Heya Sexy Beast!at 1-04-2010
My partner knew the guys from back when Cinjun was married to Alyssa.
After he and I met, he soon brought me into the beautiful world of Remy Zero fans.
Way back on -I believe- iMusic.com, the guy and all of us die-hard fans would always keep in contact with each other.
Those were beautiful days that will always hold a very special place in my heart... Even now, nearly ten years after my guy first got me into Remy Zero, I still consider all the old-school RZBB people my friends, even though most of us have long since lost contact.
I consider myself a Blessed man to have met all of the guys back then.
I hope Greg is at peace now and knows that none of us will ever forget at the happiness that he and the other brought into our lives.
Love to everyone who was touched by Greg and RZ's life and music!
Deepest Sympathies,
Vali and Katt