Joe Payne, former bass player for DIVINE HERESY and NILE, has passed away at the age of 35. A cause of death has yet to be revealed.
The news comes via Divine Heresy (and Fear Factory) founder, Dino Cazares, who issued the following statement:
“Our Metal brother Joseph Payne has passed away. Another one gone way to young, he was 35 years old. I wasn’t going to say anything until I got confirmation from his family, which I now did. At this time no cause of death has been revealed.
“Joe was a great friend, a great band member and an incredible musician. Although he played bass in ?Divine Heresy?, he was an incredible guitarist. I first saw him playing bass in Nile and right then and there, I said, ‘I want that guy in my band.’ After having that first conversation that night, I realized he was a great dude and from there on, we’ve shared some amazing moments in life and on tour, from Australia to South America to Canada to Mexico to Europe etc.
“Joe was a very outgoing, funny guy with a very friendly personality. He was loved by many and he loved all his fans and road friends. He never complained when times got tough on the road. He always helped everyone and worked his ass off when he was in DH and I admired him for being that way.
“We love you and we will miss you. Rest In Peace my friend.”
Payne was a touring member of Nile from 2005 until 2007. Upon exiting Nile, Payne joined Divine Heresy, with whom he remained until 2011.
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