Sick Of It All guitarist Pete Koller addressed the future of the band following the death of his brother and longtime vocalist Lou Koller, sharing a video message on Instagram. Lou Koller passed away in July after a long battle with an esophageal tumor.
In the video, Pete Koller reflected on his brother’s passing and thanked fans and fellow musicians for their support during this difficult time. He then revealed that Lou had expressed specific wishes for the band before he died.
“Hey, everybody. How’s it going? I know I haven’t been around in a bit. I’ve been… And you all know why, and it’s such a terrible, awful thing to happen. I’m still obviously super sad, and I am in total disbelief. I can’t believe that this happened, and I can’t believe that my brother is gone, and I miss him very, very much,” Pete Koller said.
“Also, I’d like to thank everybody and anybody who donated a dollar to whatever, who bought a shirt, who came to the benefits, who played the benefits, all that. Everybody who helped, I thank you very, very, very much,” he continued.
Koller went on to share that his brother had voiced clear wishes for Sick Of It All’s future before passing away.
“Also, before Lou passed, he said a couple of things that he wanted us to do. He wanted us to keep the band going, and I’m not sure how we’re gonna do that, but we’re working on it. And he wanted to tell everyone thank you for giving him such an amazing life. Touring the world, your job is playing your favorite music, stuff like that,” Koller said.
“Anyway, we have some things in the works, and I will keep you all posted. And thanks again for your support,” he added.
Lou Koller first revealed his diagnosis in June 2024, disclosing that doctors had discovered a tumor in his esophagus that had extended into his stomach. He underwent extensive treatment in the following months. By May 2025, he announced that he was officially cancer-free.
The remission proved short-lived, as the cancer returned later that year and ultimately led to his death in July 2026.
Lou Koller’s death came just days before what would have marked Sick Of It All’s 40th anniversary. Despite Lou’s explicit wish for the group to continue, the band’s path forward remains uncertain as Pete Koller and the rest of the band work through what shape that continuation might take.
No further details about the band’s plans have been announced. Further updates may follow.
