In Memoriam: Joe Skyward

Joe Skyward, born Joe Howard, has died after a two-year fight with cancer. He was 57. The former Posies and Sunny Day Real Estate bassist’s passing was announced on the Posies Facebook page.

“Joe Skyward, aka Joe Bass, left us last night,” the post read. “He had been fighting cancer for the last 2 years. Positive to the end, he went surrounded by friends and family. We had many great years with Joe and loved him very much. We still do. Rest in peace, rest in space, rest in bass. We will miss you Joe.”

The bassist got his first break with Sky Cries Mary though he left the group to join The Posies in 1994, with whom he was featured on the albums Amazing Disgrace and Success. From there he joined Sunny Day Real Estate, filling Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel’s shoes alongside Jeff Palmer.

More recently Skyward continued playing bass as a session musician. He also reunited with The Posies in 2013 to perform Amazing Disgrace in concert.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joe Skyward.