Clif “Hanger” Croce, longtime vocalist and founding member of Boston hardcore punk band The Freeze, has died. His passing was acknowledged by fellow hardcore band Sheer Terror in a social media tribute.
According to a Facebook post from Pat Hernandez, who described Croce as a close personal friend, the singer died in his sleep on Saturday, October 17, reportedly of natural causes. Sheila Galvin, who identified herself as Croce’s aunt, also confirmed his passing in a comment on the singer’s Facebook page, stating that he died early Saturday morning.
Sheer Terror paid tribute to Croce on Facebook, writing: “We want to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Cliff Hanger (Cliff Croce), vocalist for The Freeze who has left this mortal plane.”
Hernandez also remembered his friendship with the singer, recalling how Croce would stay at his home while visiting and spend time with his family.
“He was a great friend of mine, legendary singer of the Boston band, The Freeze!” Hernandez wrote. “One of my punk rock heroes that turned into a friend! Godspeed Clif!”
Croce formed The Freeze in 1978 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and remained the group’s longtime frontman through numerous lineup changes. The band became a fixture of the early American hardcore punk scene, appearing on the influential 1982 compilation This Is Boston, Not L.A.
The Freeze went on to release several albums, including Land of the Lost (1984), Rabid Reaction (1986) and Misery Loves Company (1991), building a lasting following in the underground punk community.
As of this posting, The Freeze have not issued an official statement regarding Croce’s passing.
