UPDATE 8/23: Cradle of Filth mainman Dani Filth has released a statement regarding the passing of Stuart Anstis. The message reads:
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I have heard of the passing of my former guitarist Stuart Anstis at 48.
Stuart -despite our eventual differences- was an amazingly talented guitarist who brought a real sense of magick to everything he wrote in Cradle Of Filth.
For a long time he and I were bestest of friends living in a small village here in Suffolk and despite that relationship eventually changing, it did nothing to diminish the fan’s appreciation of his creative flair and talent right up to the present day.
‘Vempire’, “Dusk… and Her Embrace’ (though written mostly by former members, Stuart played all the guitars on this album), ‘Cruelty And The Beast’ and ‘From the Cradle To Enslave’ would have been completely different creatures if it were not for the depth of his astute and deliciously dark musicianship.
It truly is with a heavy sense of loss that we (and extreme music in general) bid farewell to Stuart.
May sombre flights of ravens wing you to your grave mate.
Rest In Phallustein.
Dani Filth, Midian, 2022 e.h.”
Stuart Anstis – who played guitar for UK extreme metal band Cradle of Filth from 1995–1999 – has died at the age of 48. Former Cradle of Filth guitarist Richard Shaw broke the news to the masses earlier today (August 22nd) via his social channels with the below message accompanied by the above photo. Stuart died yesterday (Aug. 21st), and his cause of death is currently unknown.
“Rest in peace, Stuart.
It was an honour performing your music.
Thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Stuart contributed to Cradle of Filth releases ‘V Empire, or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein’ (1996), ‘Dusk and Her Embrace’ (1996), ‘Cruelty and the Beast’ (1996), and ‘From the Cradle to Enslave’ (1999).
Following his departure from Cradle of Filth, Stuart formed the band Bastardsun, which disbanded in 2005 after the act’s frontman David Wayne passed away from injuries sustained from a car accident. Stuart was last active in the band Ninepence.
Stuart’s wife Antoinette released the below message via Stuart’s official Facebook account:
“Stuart Anstis 2/5/1974 – 21/8/2022
Rest in Peace, you were too beautiful for this world me Lover.
Nothing will ever be the same again,
Love Always and ever your Antoinette
Until we meet again…”
RIP, Stuart. Thanks for the riffs.
References via
Featured photo via
