Jim Durkin , guitarist and founding member of Dark Angel , has died at age 58. The news was confirmed by his wife Annie , who did not specify the cause of death.
The guitarist passed away on the 8th, according to her, who wrote: “With a broken and heavy heart, I want to share that the love of my life, my best friend and husband, Jimmy, passed away on Wednesday morning.”
"He wasn't alone, because I was with him along with some close friends. Friends until the end. He will be greatly missed and no one will ever be able to replace the love I have for him. May he rest in peace. Always yours, always mine, always ours... My Immortal Beloved. I will see you again."
Dark Angel then released a statement regarding the death of their colleague: “We at the Dark Angel Family are deeply saddened and devastated today by the news of the passing of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin on Wednesday morning. We would like to thank his fans for their continued loyalty and support. We will be making a full statement very soon. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy as we mourn the loss of this great man.”
Jim, the only member of the original lineup to be part of the band's current lineup, had been absent from the most recent shows, being replaced by Laura Christine , wife of drummer Gene Hoglan.
Jim had three stints with Dark Angel: 1983-1989, 2002, and 2013-2023. He also recorded three studio albums with the group: We Have Arrived (1985), Darkness Descends (1986), and Leave Scars (1989).
Dark Angel had three shows scheduled for next month in Los Angeles to play their second album, Darkness Descends (1986), in its entirety. According to Hoglan, a new album was being prepared for release in 2023, but it is now unknown if the project will continue.
Rest in peace, Jim Durkin.
