Remembering Rick Froberg: Frontman for Hot Snakes and Drive Like Jehu

The music world mourns the loss of Rick Froberg, the talented singer and guitarist for bands like Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, and Obits. His longtime colleague, John Reis, confirmed the news of his passing. Rick, aged 55, passed away suddenly from natural causes on Friday, June 30, at approximately 11 p.m.

Rick Froberg and John Reis co-founded the post-hardcore band Pitchfork in the late 1980s, later forming the emo rock group Drive Like Jehu. They also had a major label debut, Yank Crime, released by Interscope Records in 1994.

In the 1990s, Reis briefly paused Drive Like Jehu to focus on his other band, Rocket from the Crypt. By the end of the decade, he had established his own record label, Swami Records, and reunited with Froberg to create the post-hardcore band Hot Snakes.

Between 2000 and 2004, Hot Snakes released three albums. After a hiatus, they reunited in 2018 to record Jericho Sirens, their fourth album.

In 2006, Froberg formed the band Obits, which released three albums between 2009 and 2013.

Rick Froberg was not only known for his musical talents but also for his artistry as a graphic artist, creating artwork for his bands and Swami Records.

The music community will always remember Rick for his creativity, insight, and the beauty he brought to the world through his art and music. He will be dearly missed. Goodbye, Rick.