Drummer From Lit Passes Away

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Allen Shellenberger, drummer for Orange County rock band Lit, lost his battle with brain cancer Thursday, August 13, 2009 surrounded by his loving family, the band, and close friends. He was 39 years old. In May 2008, Allen was diagnosed with a malignant glioma brain tumor and immediately underwent clinical trials, chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute.

Allen was a founding member of Lit over two decades ago and was able to perform with the band until last fall. In a statement from Kevin Baldes, Jeremy Popoff, and A.Jay Popoff, the band had this to say of their longtime friend Allen:

"To know Al was to know laughter. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Words cannot begin to express how much he will be missed. This was our brother and not a day will go by that we won't think about him. Right now we're trying to find the balance of mourning his loss and celebrating his life. Allen has experienced more in his 39 years than most people dream of in ten lifetimes. This is a tremendous loss for us, our fans, and also for Allen's family who took such good care of him during his battle with cancer."

Allen is survived by his daughter Giovanna Mackey, his mother Connie James, and his father Paul Shellenberger. Lit and Allen's family wish to thank everyone who supported the benefits for Allen.

Really like these guys. Have all their albums and seen 'em live. Sad news. I wonder how this will impact the future of the band?

-----------DISCLAIMER---------------------
Just passing on some music news to those that might care. This isn't a request for prayers, well wishes, good intentions, positive mojo or uplifiting vibes.

I saw the guitar player at a Maiden show once... but i didn't care for Lit's music. RIP

Wasn't a fan, but it's always sad when someone dies young...RIP

Brain cancer at 39 is very scary.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

Brain cancer at 39 is very scary.

I agree. It seems, it doesn't matter what age you are anymore, and how healthy you might seem to be.

Troublezone wrote:

I saw the guitar player at a Maiden show once... but i didn't care for Lit's music. RIP

These guys were pretty unashamed of their love of metal. I think I read somewhere before they were Lit, the lead singer & guitarist (brothers), tried their hand in a few metal bands on the LA strip in the late 80's/early 90's. Even their 1st release as Lit is more metalic & rough than their later stuff. They polished up their sound big time from that 1st album.