Gared O’Donnell, singer of the post-hardcore band Planes Mistaken For Stars, has died at the age of 44 after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
The group, which posted on Instagram, said O’Donnell died yesterday (November 24) surrounded by friends and family.
“It is impossible to express the grief of our brother, our leader, our captain Gared O’Donnell, who has done more than any of us can understand to develop love and light in this world. Here he moved with us from his physical form and from the rainbow bridge to the eternal air, ”they wrote.
“In his last days / hours, he was surrounded by the love of family, friends, teammates and others from afar.”
O’Donnell was diagnosed with cancer in August last year GoFundMe campaign started to assist in treatment.
The group said in a statement that they hope to release new music that O’Donnell has been working on secretly for the last year of his life.
They said: “Gared spent the last year of his life doing exactly what he loved, writing and writing music. We are currently working hard to complete these few final projects.
“It’s very sad to do without him, but we know he wants us to finish what we started with him. We will do our best to respect his legacy and popularize the legend he embodies.”
Following the news of O’Donnell’s death, respect is spreading on social media.
RIP to Gared O’Donnell from the wrong planes for the stars. In 2004, he traveled by Airplane. Gared was a kind heart. It was all of them. Great love to Mike and Chakka and the whole PMFS family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
– Asian Man Records (@asianmanrecords) November 25, 2021
Gared was devastated to hear the news of O’Donnell’s passing. He was our Lemmy, more legendary than man, he carried the air of danger and warmth in all his work. RIP to absolute reality.
– David Anthony (@DBAnthony) November 25, 2021
RIP Gared O’Donnell. I’ve never heard a voice like his and I never will. Play it out loud 🖤 https://t.co/Wi3lQe5Ydb
– Jamie Hay (@JamieKimHay) November 25, 2021
Planes Mistaken For Stars was formed in Illinois in 1997 and released its debut album Fuck With Fire in 2001.
The band took a break from 2006-2010, until 2016, when O’Donnell released his final album with the band Prey.