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Josh Pappe: The Crossover Thrash Legend Who Died Too Soon
Josh Pappe was a bassist who played with two influential crossover thrash bands: D.R.I. and Gang Green. He was known for his energetic and aggressive style, as well as his contributions to the genre that blended hardcore punk and thrash metal. He died on January 31, 2020, at the age of 53, after a long battle with cancer and a series of strokes.
Early Life and Career
Josh Pappe was born on September 14, 1966, in Houston, Texas. He grew up listening to rock and metal music, and started playing bass at a young age. He joined D.R.I. (short for Dirty Rotten Imbeciles) in 1983, when the band was still a hardcore punk group. He left the band briefly in 1984, but returned in 1985, just as D.R.I. was transitioning to a more thrash metal sound. He played on four of the band’s albums: the Dirty Rotten LP, Dealing With It, Crossover, and 4 of a Kind. He also appeared on the Violent Pacification EP and several live and compilation albums.
Gang Green and Later Years
In 1989, Pappe left D.R.I. and joined another crossover thrash band, Gang Green, from Boston. He played on their 1990 live album, Can’t LIVE Without It, and toured with them until 1991. He then moved to Portland, Oregon, where he lived a quiet life away from the music scene. He worked as a carpenter and a painter, and occasionally jammed with local bands. He also stayed in touch with his former bandmates and fans, and attended some D.R.I. shows as a guest.
Cause of Death and Legacy
Pappe was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He also suffered from a series of strokes, which affected his speech and mobility. He died on January 31, 2020, at his home in Portland, surrounded by his family and friends. His death was announced by D.R.I.’s founding guitarist, Spike Cassidy, who paid tribute to him on Facebook. Other musicians and fans also expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Pappe online.
Pappe is remembered as a talented and influential bassist, who helped shape the crossover thrash genre and inspired many other bands and artists. He is also remembered as a friendly and humble person, who loved music and had a passion for life. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
