Pitchfork

San Fadyl, drummer for the beloved Brooklyn indie-pop act the Ladybug Transistor, passed away today, April 26, in his Zurich, Switzerland home due to complications stemming from a lengthy bout with severe asthma.

UPDATE: Pitchfork contacted Ladybug Transistor frontman Gary Olson, who wished to share the following words:

San was one of my dearest friends-- one of the kindest, most generous, warmest people I have ever known. I spoke to him about a week ago on the telephone when he was getting home from the hospital. I had been out of town and didn't realize how serious his hospital stay was. Despite his health, he seemed his usual self. Lots of laughter. I could hear him bouncing his new son Liam in his arms. He was excited about the release of the Ladybug album and touring plans-- the usual things. I never would have imagined he wouldn't be with us for much longer. I'm glad to remember him seeming so happy the last time we spoke.

Ladybug are thankful for all of the the messages and thoughts coming in during these past days while we've been dealing with San's passing. We've been feeling a lot of love from people all over the world who will miss this wonderful friend.

A funeral service will be held next Friday [May 4] in Zurich. His many friends in New York plan to gather to remember him on that day as well.

Any condolences to San's wife Brigit and their son Liam can be sent to:

Brigit Vonarburg
Wasserwerk Strasse 103
Zurich
Switzerland

At the moment, we still plan to go on with live commitments in May through the summer, feeling it would be the best way honor to San.

In a statement posted on the Ladybug Transistor's MySpace page, the band addressed their fans about Fadyl's passing:

"Dear Friends, We are very sad and shocked to let you know that Ladybug drummer San Fadyl passed away on the morning of April 26th at his home in Zurich, Switzerland. San was hospitalized just a few weeks ago with serious asthma problems, something he's battled for a long time. After being treated and released he was home for a week but suffered a severe attack that was related to his condition.

It's hard to put into words just how much we will miss San after 10 years of music and friendship. He was a genuinely beautiful person that touched everyone who met him with his warmth, kindness, generosity and humor. His wide smile is something people often remember first. We know there are lots of you out there who love him and will miss him as much as we do already. Our thoughts are with San's family, his wife Brigit and their new baby Liam."

The Ladybug Transistor have set up a webpage in tribute to San where fans and friends may share their thoughts and memories. They also intend to put together a memorial concert, details forthcoming.

Fadyl joined the Ladybug Transistor prior to 1999's The Albemarle Sound, contributing to both their Argyle Heir and self-titled albums. The band recently issued an EP of covers entitled Here Comes the Rain, and their Can't Wait Another Day LP is due for release June 7 on Merge. San also played in Individual Fruit Pie and performed solo.

We at Pitchfork wish to extend our thoughts to Fadyl's bandmates, friends, and family.

"Reclusive Hero" (Live)


"Like a Summer Rain" (Live)


Dates:

05-06 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
05-07 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
05-08 Washington, DC - Black Cat
05-09 Charlottesville, VA - Satellite Ballroom
05-10 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
05-24 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
05-25 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall
05-26 Allston, MA - Great Scott
06-14 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo
06-15 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill