Van Conner , bassist and co-founder of the grunge band Screaming Trees , passed away at the age of 55 last Tuesday, the 17th. The news was confirmed by his brother Gary Lee Conner.
The brother, who was the band's guitarist, shared a moving post on social media revealing that Van Conner had pneumonia resulting from a "prolonged illness.".
“Van Conner, bassist and songwriter for Screaming Trees, died last night [Tuesday, 17th] after a long illness, at the age of 55. He ultimately succumbed to pneumonia. He was one of the closest friends I ever had, and I loved him immensely. I will miss him forever.”
Van Conner was born in 1967 in California and while still in high school formed the band Explosive Generation with his brother Gary. In 1984, vocalist Mark Lanegan joined them, giving life to Screaming Trees.
The band moved to Seattle and eventually became one of the pioneers of the grunge scene along with Melvins , Mudhoney, and Soundgarden . Together, they released eight studio albums. In 2000, the group broke up, and Van Conner began his work as a studio musician with groups such as Solomon Grundy, Gardener , and VALIS , in addition to touring with Dinosaur Jr.
Screaming Trees suffered another loss recently. Mark Lanegan passed away in February of last year at the age of 57. The cause of death has not yet been officially revealed.
