Dan Sartain.Photo: Andy Sheppard/Redferns
Dan Sartain has died. He was 39.
The garage rock singer died on Saturday, his family announced via aGoFundMe pagethey created to help raise money for his funeral. His cause of death has not been revealed at this time.
“Dan Sartain left us many memories and music, but has unfortunately left us way too early,” his family wrote on the official fundraiser page. “As wonderful as his legacy is, he had no plans for the unmentionable, and thus, here we are. We aren’t trying to do much but have a small service for family and friends, and with Dan’s wide range of friends, this should be achievable. From all of his family, we thank you….”
The Sartain family had a goal of raising $15,000 to sponsor his burial arrangements, but they have surpassed that amount, crowdsourcing $23,913 as of Tuesday afternoon.
Dan Sartain.Ollie Millington/Redferns
The Alabama native, who has opened shows for fellow rock and rollers including the White Stripes and The Hives, chatted withAutrein 2016 about his experience bonding with other artists of various genres in his home state.
“You had to make friends with whoever was around,” he joked at the time. “So, that meant any kind of musician was a friend. You’d have to play with Christian ska bands, white blues guys, cock rockers, math rockers, pop punks, crust kids with their blast beats, fake Fugazi bands, fake Cure bands, literally anyone. We all had to be friends, or at least fake friends, to make anything happen.”
Speaking about his appearances on tours with the White Stripes and The Hives, he told the outlet, “It was nice being a part of something bigger. I suppose that’s what will go on my headstone.”
Dan Sartain.Andrew Benge/Redferns via Getty
“Touring with the White Stripes was my Rocky Balboa moment,” he toldMusic Meccaof his 2007 experience during an interview last year. “I was a virtually unknown barroom singer and I went the distance with the champ. I don’t feel like I’m cut out for stadium touring, but there were a few times where we got some good licks in.”
Sartain independently released his albumsCrimson Guardin 2001 andRomance in Stereoin 2002, according toPitchfork. He dropped a covers album titledWestern Hillslast year, and on Oct. 2, he debuted acollection of songshe recorded in Memphis' iconic Sun Studio.
“Just because this is a covers album, that doesn’t mean I don’t relate to some of the lyrics,” he toldMusic Meccaof his work.
One cause that was dear to Sartain’s heart was justice and equality. In summer 2020, Sartain released a musicalcollaboration with Ganxsta Nipand donated all the funds to the Black Lives Matter Global Network.
source: people.com
