Mike Cross, who is the founding guitarist for American Grunge rock act Sponge recently died at the age of 57. This comes just weeks after Grunge icon Mark Lanegan died. Sponge opened for Alice In Chains and Soundgarden in the 90’s.
No cause for his death has yet been revealed
Sponge confirmed Cross’s passing via social media, writing: “It is with heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Mike Cross. One of the musical architects and founding member of Sponge. His influence and talent will be missed.”
He parted ways with Sponge due to creative and business differences and he turned away from music business to focus on his personal life. However, he continued to write, record and produce various music projects and develop his own vocal abilities. More recently, Cross was the lead vocalist and guitarist for his band MC Roads, which released an EP, “No Nostalgia”, last September via Golden Robot Records.
Golden Robot Records paid tribute to Cross, writing on social media: “We are devastated to hear of the passing of our rock n roll brother and GRR family member – Mike Cross. What a gracious, wonderful human who had the voice of a husky angel and played guitar like the best of them, all of our global team wish music love to his brother Tim, band mates, friends and family. A sad day for rock n roll but a great day for that ever expanding rock band in heaven.. Who we are sure Mike is part of now. We will miss you Mike.”
A message at the MC Roads Facebook page read: “It is with overwhelming sadness and shock that we inform you that Mike Cross passed away Sunday March 6th. Mike was a founding member and lead guitarist of Loudhouse and Sponge which produced the gold (and then some) record Rotting Piñata. In recent years Mike formed MC Roads and released the EP No Nostalgia. Taking the new music on the road was going to be the next step. Gone way too soon. We love you so much Mike.”
