R.I.P. Eric Wagner (Trouble/The Skull)

Crank some Trouble today in honor of Eric Wagner, who has passed away at the age of 62. 

R.I.P. sir.

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-trouble-singer-eric-wagner-dies-after-battle-with-covid-pneumonia/



I was lucky enough to see him live w/Trouble once, a loooong time ago when they were touring for their major-label debut (1990) opening for Savatage - as I'm so fond of saying, it was my "Best. Show. EVER."

I had heard of Trouble before that show but I don't think I'd ever actually heard them till that night. They absolutely blew me away, I became an instant fan.

Well, that's sad to hear.

I had a bad feeling the outcome wasn’t gonna be good because of his poor health and smoking.

I’m very saddened… he was a great vocalist and lyricist. I actually have the 1990 Trouble album reissue on the way in the mail.

This is horrible! I was hoping he would pull through.  

I never got to see him on stage with either Trouble or The Skull... (another regret)
He will be missed.

Thanks for your part in some good tunes, RIP

This is shitty news to start the day. I'm glad I was able to see The Skull in 2019, though I wish I would have caught Trouble back in the day.

R.I.P. Eric Wagner

One of his last interviews.

That sucks.

R.I.P.

Need to add some Trouble to my collection.

Troublezone wrote:

One of his last interviews.

Really good interview, with some historical context added in for good measure. The questions were solid and Eric was an extremely affable guy, but oh my with the nervous laugh that was constant during this interview, drove me fucking nuts. I had to stop it in a few places, just to get a break. Someone needs to talk this guy about his interviewing style. It's as bad as someone saying "um" or "you know" throughout a line of questioning. It was grating to the ears.

Horrible news. R.I.P. Eric Wagner.

Absolutely terrible to hear this news.

I remember me and a buddy and another cat went to Camelot Music (for some of those of you old enough to that record chain) to buy some new music. They were all about some thrash and crossover stuff. But I bought Run To The Light that day. We popped it in his car's tape player and were just blown away by the music.

I was supposed to see Trouble and Cathedral together once. But the band had been doing some fighting and ended up not playing. But Cathedral decided to just do a headlining show which we watched. I think Trouble split after that tour.

Fast forward a few years and Trouble reunited and I did get to see them with Confessor. It was a fantastic show and met both bands afterwards. I had upgraded my Run To The Light tape to cd and got the guys to sign it. A couple years ago I was lucky enough to see The Skull as part of the Heavy Mountain fest and they were awesome as well.

Thank you Eric for the great music and memories.

Victor Griffin from Place of Skulls wrote this tribute…


Victor Griffin wrote:
Very sad to hear the news this morning of the passing of my friend Eric Wagner. Eric was a kind soul, a great lyricist, and an icon of heavy rock with Trouble and with his later bands Blackfinger & The Skull. It was his experience that led to an invitation to join Death Row for a one-off tour in 2009/2010, which he happily accepted.

Later on, we discussed ideas on several occasions to work together, but for one reason or the other it never panned out. Fortunately, I had the honor of him inviting me to contribute a guitar solo for the song "In The Lonely Light Of Mourning" on his recently finished new solo album. A song that lyrically feels very prophetic considering Eric's departure, which I'm certain he would agree. A very masterful effect brother! While listening to and working on the song, I texted him to say what a nice, dark, melancholy tune I thought it was...my favorite vibe. He simply texted back, "I picked that for you for a reason".  

Eric had a great awareness of his spirituality, and we connected similarly in that way. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to hang with him and all the guys in The Skull at their recent show here in Knoxville on August 2nd. Though this news is very sad for the time being...I take comfort in knowing that Eric was a believer and is now in the greatest peace beyond our mortal understanding. I pray peace and comfort for Eric's family, friends, and bandmates "In The Lonely Light Of Mourning".
God bless you Eric and until we meet again...fly brother, like never before!

I’m happy Eric finished his solo album before passing.

He was kind of a hippy musician. Looks like Robert Plant….
He singing voice is very unique.
Saw Trouble open for King Diamond….in 87…..small club.
I was stunned by hearing their doom sound.
Never heard a sound like that before.
Instant fan.
Interview is great !
R.I.P

Sad news, R.I.P Eric.

This news really sucks.

Terrible news. Been a fan since I first heard The Tempter on the radio way back when. Great voice, really cool frontman, and wrote some epic music/lyrics.

RIP

For anyone that has an hour to spare, Eric answers all kinds of fan questions about his career and some interesting memories from tours. King Diamond, Pantera, Savatage etc…

Another sad thing is that he apparently had started working on a autobiography. As we know, he can’t finish it. Maybe someone can piece together some kind of unofficial book. The guy definitely was taken too early.

I have heard his ex-band has good stuff.

Now seems like a good time to purchase a few albums. Especially after hearing the song featured on this page.

Jan It Or wrote:

I have heard his ex-band has good stuff.

Now seems like a good time to purchase a few albums. Especially after hearing the song featured on this page.

If you like those, check this out!



One of the greatest instrumentals.

I was familiar with The Tempter months ago. Loved it then and still do.

Just got my Hammerheart edition of the 1990 Trouble album in the mail today! Ironically, I had ordered it a few days before Wagner’s passing.

I will listen to it on the way to work and think of him.    

I hope the remaster has a noticeable improvement of sound.

Did Hammerheart also re-ish Run to the Light? That's the only studio album I'm missing on CD.