The American singer and guitarist David Berman, best known for his work with the band Silver Jews, has died suddenly at the age of 52.
Berman's passing was announced by his record label Drag City on social media, just days before his band Purple Mountains were due to go on tour.
"We couldn't be more sorry to tell you this. David Berman passed away earlier today," Drag City wrote on Twitter on Thursday night.
"A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we've ever known is gone. Rest easy, David."
No cause of death was given. Berman had experienced addiction and mental health issues during his life.
We couldn't be more sorry to tell you this. David Berman passed away earlier today. A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we've ever known is gone. Rest easy, David. pic.twitter.com/5n5bctcu4j
— 𝕯𝖗𝖆𝖌 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 (@dragcityrecords) August 7, 2019
Berman formed Silver Jews with Pavement's Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich in 1989. The critically acclaimed group - with Berman as the only constant member - released six albums before splitting in 2009.
Purple Mountains released a new album last month and were due to go on tour on Saturday.
Malkmus and Nastanovich were among those to pay tribute to Berman.
"For most of my life, I was amazed by David as a person, a humorist and a writer," Nastanovich said in a statement.
"It was enlightening to have such a talented friend at a young age and realise that the talent wasn't always a blessing."
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Tributes have been flooding in for the late singer.
If you're a David Berman man living in Dublin, there’s a grimy framed photo of him just inside the door of @whelanslive on Wexford Street, just to the left. The Silver Jews played there on May 16th 2008. A beautiful show. Pop in and pay your respects if you’re walking that way. X
— Leagues O'Toole (@foggynotions) August 8, 2019
Very very sad to hear David Berman has passed away. A massive talent and a huge influence on us. RIP
— Aaron Dessner (@aaron_dessner) August 7, 2019
my fav david berman poem :( so sad to see him go pic.twitter.com/BPnYsJPwCH
— soccer mommy (@sopharela) August 8, 2019
Of, loosely, my generation of songwriters, the best of us. This loss is devastating. Rest easy, fellow traveler. https://t.co/6EqPLrDpXM
— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) August 7, 2019
Rest in Peace our dear friend David Berman. A brilliant man and a blazing talent. Our world is a lesser place today and we will miss you terribly. pic.twitter.com/iaeciLXOLR
— Domino Recording Co (@Dominorecordco) August 8, 2019
Can't believe the tragic news of David Berman. A truly unique lyrical voice. RIP pic.twitter.com/hjx2xhOPdg
— Goodtime John (@goodtimejohn) August 8, 2019
"...and my signature is drawn in magic marker
— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) August 8, 2019
on the lower right hand corner of the window
so when something passes in the dark
it's captured for a moment inside my work."
RIP David Berman. Our thoughts with family, friends, fans and all at Drag City x pic.twitter.com/WMEVKr7ule
From "The Charm of 5:30" by David Berman pic.twitter.com/4Yzrazrrsm
— JAGJAGUWAR (@jagjaguwar) August 7, 2019
