Judas Priest confirm death of ex-drummer

British rockers Judas Priest have remembered former drummer Dave Holland after confirming the news of his passing in Spain.
The musician hit headlines on Monday (22Jan18) after a report in Spanish newspaper El Progreso suggested the 69-year-old had died on 16 January (18) at a hospital in the city of Lugo. A cause of death was not revealed, but the body had already been cremated.
As some fans paid tribute to Holland online, others questioned the authenticity of the claims, including Ratt bassist Juan Croucier, who told his Twitter followers it was all a “hoax”.
He didn’t elaborate on the post at the time, but now the current members of Judas Priest have confirmed the demise of Holland, who performed with the heavy metal stars from 1979 to 1989.
His legacy with the group was tarnished in 2004, when he was sentenced to eight years behind bars for the attempted rape of a 17-year-old boy, who had been taking drum lessons with Holland. He was also convicted of five counts of indecent assault, but always maintained his innocence.
Acknowledging Holland’s loss in a statement issued to Billboard.com, the rockers write: “It is with regret that we hear of the passing of Dave Holland. Despite his actions since working with the band, his time with us was amongst the most productive and successful in the band’s career and for that alone he shall be missed.”
Holland’s old bandmate, ex-Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has also shared his sentiments about his late pal’s passing.
“It is with deep regret that I have to accept the sudden and unexpected news that Dave Holland has passed away,” he wrote on Facebook. “Dave was a solid friend in life and solid musician both on the stage and in the studio.
“I will cherish the many gigs we played together and the albums that we made and I will always be grateful to the indelible contribution that Dave gave to Judas Priest. My sincere condolences to all of Dave’s loved ones Family and friends and to all of the fans that so much appreciated Dave’s musical ability and his life’s work. R.I.P. Dave.”