Manowar's Scott Columbus Dead at 54

Former Manowar drummer Scott Columbus died yesterday, he was 54 years old. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The news of his death was confirmed by his girlfriend Nancy, who posted the following message:

"For all you to know, this is Scott Columbus's girlfriend of over 3 1/3 years... and I cannot get the words out, but he died today... Please send your thoughts and prayers. I can't believe he is gone. He was the absolute love of my life."

Scott was known for hitting the drums extremely hard, to the point that after years of having to replace standard kits too often, he started playing a kit made of stainless steel that he called the "Drums of Doom".

Here are some facts about Scott Columbus:

- Scott was discovered by a female fan, who saw him beating aluminum in a local foundry.

- He was part of Manowar from 1983 to 1990. Scott was forced to leave the band and at the time the band said that he left when his son got very sick (this was later denied by Columbus). He then was replaced by Kenny Earl Edwards (nicknamed Rhino) for "The Triumph of Steel" album. He returned for the "Louder Than Hell" album and stayed with the band until Summer of 2008.

- Manowar never made an official statement about Columbus's departure, but in an interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Scott broke the silence: "I'd say it was about April 2008. When Mr. DeMaio (Joey DeMaio, Manowar bassist/main man) and myself agreed to disagree on a few points of interest. That leads us up to today. You know what? I had a long and wonderful career with Manowar; I have no regrets, it's just life moves on."

- Regarding his departure in the early 90's Scott said: "It was the very end of 1989 leading into 1990. I was officially gone in 1990, the first time. I can just tell you and the world that my son was never sick. So you can deduce from that what you may. However, that's what I'll tell you (concerning the official statement)."

We want to send our deepest condolences to Scott's family, friends, fans, and the Manowar guys. Here is the band's OFFICIAL statement:

Scott Columbus, Rest In Peace
Tuesday - April 05, 2011

"It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our brother Scott Columbus.

Scott Columbus was a rare talent and equally a rare individual.

He was a father, a friend and a brother of metal.

All of the great moments we spent together in the studio, in our homes and on the road are burnished in our hearts and memories forever.

These words are spoken with heavy hearts but we have the comfort of knowing that he is in a good place and at peace.

He will never be forgotten."

Your family and brothers,
Joey, Eric, Karl, Donnie

And all at Magic Circle Music

Related links:
Manowar's OFFICIAL site