Scream Drummer Kent Stax Passes Away

Kent Stax, aka Bennett Kent Stacks, the drummer for Virginia hardcore punk outfit Scream, has passed away from metastatic cancer.

The devastating news arrived just 24 hours after Scream announced their first album in 30 years, DC Special. The album will be released via Dischord Records on Friday, 10 November.

Revealing Stax’s passing in a social media statement, Scream wrote that they are “heartbroken” by the drummer’s passing. “Kent is the original heartbeat of Scream,” their Instagram post reads. “Though we have had to continue on without him before, we have always known Kent is irreplaceable. He was one of a kind. In addition to being a truly unique drummer, Kent was also an accomplished fisherman, skilled carpenter, and avid train enthusiast.”

As well as playing in Scream since shortly after their formation in 1979, Stax also played in the bands “The Suspects, Spitfires United, Alleged Bricks and more throughout his life. He also branched out to other genres, playing with The Daryl Davis Band and The Old Dominion Trio.”

Scream reminded fans that Stax is survived by his wife of 40 years, “Andrea, daughter Jennifer, brothers Kurt, William and Henry and a host of band mates, friends and fans. If you ever saw us play or if you knew Kent, your thoughts and memories are welcome here.”

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After joining Scream, Stax played on the band’s first three albums – Still Screaming, released in 1983, This Side Up (1985), and Banging The Drum (1986). From there, Stax left the band and was subsequently replaced by a 17-year-old Dave Grohl – Scream were his favourite band at the time. Stax was a part of the band’s subsequent reunion tours over the years and played on their upcoming album.

In June 2022, Scream hosted a benefit concert honouring Stax, who was receiving cancer treatment. For just $25, punters got to watch Fugazi’s Ian MacKaye on DJ duties, Dave Grohl, Distortion Inc and many more coming together for Stax.

You can pre-order DC Special here and listen to the first single, DC Special Sha La La, below.