Rudy Graf has sadly passed away at the age of 61. He was best known for his role as a guitarist in the heavy metal band Warlock. Shockingly, his former bandmate, Doro Pesch, revealed that Rudy had passed away in the Spring, yet the news of his death didn't become public knowledge until October.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Pesch paid tribute to Rudy in a video
posted to Facebook."I'm sure you heard about Rudy Graf's passing," she said. "I found out a couple weeks ago. I will always have him deep in my heart. He was a great guy. He was super cool, and I know the fans loved him, and I'm super sad to tell you that he left this earth."
As the video continued, Pesch discussed Rudy's love for life along with the sadness she is feeling having learned of his passing.
"I really wanted to tell you guys that I loved Rudy so much," she continued. "I'm super sad. I wanted to share that with you. Rest in peace Rudy Graf. I will never, ever forget you."
Interestingly, it was in the caption of Pesch's video that she revealed that Rudy had died earlier this year, but the information had not been passed on to her.
"Many of you will have already heard the news," the caption said. "Original Warlock guitarist #RudyGraf passed away this spring. It only became known this October. Those who are familiar with my early days in Warlock know how important Rudy was to the band back then, and how much his songs still mean to all of us today."
Graf co-founded Warlock in 1982 and was the one who named the band. He played guitar on the group's first two albums, 'Burning The Witches' and 'Hellbound.' Graf left Warlock in 1985, later joining German heavy metal band Rage.
Fans Pay Tribute to Rudy Graf in the Comments Section
Shortly after Pesch posted her video, fans began to pay tribute to Rudy in the comments section.
"I'm so very sorry Doro," a fan wrote. "I first saw Warlock in 1986 on the True as Steel Tour supporting WASP, Warlock were incredible, and I have been a fan ever since. Rudy was awesome. Sending huge condolences to you and all Rudy's family and friends."
"Sending deepest condolences to you doro, Rudy's family, friends, and fans," another said. "Rudy is now playing in the greatest rock n roll party up there with other rock greats who have sadly left us, and jamming together with fans who also sadly left us watching their heroes play. RI.P. Rudy, you'll never be forgotten, as everyone keeps saying your name."
No details regarding Rudy's death have been made public.
