Andrew Loomis, a founding member and the longtime drummer of Dead Moon, sadly died yesterday afternoon after a lengthy battle with cancer. Loomis had been in treatment for some time, and had recently set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses. A few months ago, his health was reported to be stable, but unfortunately things took a turn for the worse rather quickly, and, despite being cancer free, Loomis passed away after a “series of mini strokes” and “respiratory problems.”
In true punk rock fashion, it’s not immediately confirmable what his age or birth year was, but it is known that he was there at the beginning of Dead Moon in 1987, and played for approximately twenty-eight years with the group. Working with Fred and Toody Cole, Loomis created some of the most enduring and powerful DIY rock of all time alongside fellow Portland acts like Wipers. His drumming—both in recordings and live on stage—was legendary, and managed to keep a wild act together while at the same time allowing it to remain unhinged.
According to Neva Knott, a close friend of Loomis, “[he] passed peacefully with his brothers, sister, Ruby Ann Swaner Whitfield, and [her] with him.”
(via Brooklyn Vegan)
Originally published March 9, 11:52 a.m.
Updated: March 14, 12:15 p.m.: Neva Knott, who has been an ambassador of information regarding Loomis, has confirmed that he was just fifty-four.
