Adam Yauch, who performed with the Beastie Boys under the stage name MCA, has passed away. Yauch was 47-years-old.
Global Grind reports that Yauch has been battling cancer for the last few years.
The Global Grind writes: “One of our heroes, Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys has passed this morning after a long bout with cancer. Yauch co-founded Beastie Boys in 1979 with Mike D, Mix Master Mike, and Ad Roc… (He) is survived by his wife and daughter. He was 47.”
In 2009, the Beastie Boys announced that Yauch had cancer and decided to cancel a few shows and delay their next record. At the time, Yauch said:
“I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we’ll release the record and play some shows… It’s a pain in the neck because I was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later.”
( You can see a video of Yauch’s announcement here. )
The Beastie Boys were scheduled to perform during their induction ceremony to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame earlier this year but Yauch was too sick to attend the event. The Beastie Boys decided that it wouldn’t be right to perform without their sick band mate. Mike D and Ad Rock have not commented on Yauch’s passing yet.
Rolling Stone reports that in addition to Yauch’s 32-year career with the Beastie Boys, he was also co-organized the Tibetan Freedom Concerts. Yauch also directed several of the Beastie Boys’ music videos and launched the film production company Oscilloscope Laboratories.
Here are some Beastie Boys music videos to remember Adam Yauch.
Were you a fan of the Beastie Boys? RIP MCA.