Renowned punk metal vocalist and co-founder of crossover thrash band Leeway, Eddie Sutton, sadly passed away on April 19, 2024, at the age of 59.
Eddie made a name for himself as the lead singer of the New York City band, which he formed in 1984 alongside guitarist AJ Novello.
The group went on to release hit heavy metal albums like Born To Expire in 1988 and Desperate Measures in 1991, solidifying their influence in the crossover thrash scene.
While not achieving mainstream success, Leeway’s music resonated with fans of the genre. Eddie also fronted the metalcore group Merauder, debuting in 1998. His talent and passion for music garnered him a dedicated following, despite the bands not becoming household names.
Eddie Sutton’s untimely death came after a battle with cancer, which he had been fighting for some time. Despite his health struggles, he was set to perform at the upcoming This Is Hardcore Festival in Philadelphia in August 2024. Unfortunately, he entered hospice care in late March due to complications from the disease.
In an emotional Instagram post on April 1, 2024, Eddie expressed his determination to keep hope alive despite being in hospice care. His commitment to his craft and resilience in the face of adversity left a lasting impact on those who knew him and fans of his music.
At the time of his passing, it remains unclear if Eddie Sutton was married or had any children.
The legacy of his work with Leeway and Merauder will continue to live on in the hearts of those who appreciated his unique talent and contribution to the punk metal and crossover thrash music scenes.