There’ll Be No Sad Tomorrow: Remembering Kim Shattuck

Pixies, Billie Joe Armstrong, Veruca Salt and more share their memories and condolences on social media following the death of the influential Muffs singer/guitarist

October 3, 2019October 3, 2019 Ron Hart 1 Comment ALS, Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day, Kim Shattuck, Lou Gehrig Disease, Mary Lou Lord, Omnivore Recordings, RIP, Ronnie Barnett, Roy McDonald, The Muffs, The Pixies, Veruca Salt

Kim Shattuck of The Muffs with bandmates Roy McDonald and Ronnie Barnett

The Rock & Roll Universe is taking to social media to mourn the passing of Kim Shattuck, celebrated lead singer and guitarist for one of the most exciting bands of the last 30 years, The Muffs, as well as pioneering all-female LA punk group The Pandoras and her most recent outfit The Coolies.

An Instagram post from her husband Kevin Sutherland announced the tragic news that Shattuck had been quietly battling ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Syndrome for the past two years and quietly died in her sleep at the all-too-young age of 56.

PHOTO: Instagram post announcing Kim Shattuck’s death from ALS.

Big Takeover publisher Jack Rabid had been prepping a feature on The Muffs ahead of their excellent new album No Holiday for RNR Globe when the news hit of Kim’s passing, and he hopes to be speaking with surviving members Ronnie Barnett and Roy McDonald once the immediacy of this circumstance subsides.

“This was the last time I saw the great Kim Shattuck whose death announced today leaves me immensely sad; I took this photo of their final (as it turns out) New York show on October 10, 2016,” Rabid wrote on his wall in accompaniment of this photo below. “I interviewed her that day, on the radio in l.a. in 2009 and in the mid 90s at pianos on the absolutely killer tour with Visqueen, and like thousands who met her I loved every minute I spent with her cause she was flat out hilarious. And all who knew her considered her a friend as well as a laugh and an immense and endless songwriting and singing talent right up to the awesome new album. Thanks Kim for the great memories and boy will you be missed.”

Rabid was just one of many friends, fans and colleagues who took to their socials to express their sorrow. Here are just a few of the poignant remembrances that touched our hearts.

Rest in Peace, Kim. You were a total badass–more in line with Joan Jett and Suzi Quatro than most of your generation–and will be dearly missed by all of us here at the RNR Globe.

Please visit either the ALS Association or the ALS Foundation and make a donation in her name today.

“All of us at Omnivore Recordings are devastated by the loss of our friend Kim Shattuck of The Muffs. We’re thinking about all her friends and fans, especially her family and bandmates. Her creative fire will endure and inspire artists of tomorrow. We’re so grateful to have been in the audience and to have played a small part in getting more of her music out into the world.” —Omnivore Recordings

“We are very sorry to announce the passing of our bandmate and dear friend Kim Shattuck. Besides being a brilliant songwriter, rocking guitarist and singer/screamer extrordinaire, Kim was a true force of nature. While battling ALS, Kim produced our last album, overseeing every part of the record from tracking to artwork. She was our best friend and playing her songs was an honor. Goodbye Kimba. We love you more than we could ever say.” —Roy McDonald & Ronnie Barnett of The Muffs

I’m absolutely heartbroken to learn that my friend and an amazing talent Kim Shattuck passed away from her battle with ALS. Even though she was such a badass, she sang the sweetest harmony on my song Studebaker. But before she left the vocal booth I requested a Kim signature scream. It’s one of my prized possessions. – Jordan Zevon

A true rock ‘n’ roller and the epitome of cool. Sad and heartbreaking to hear about her passing. RIP, Kim. – John Petkovic, Cobra Verde

I’m guesting on the YabYum hour with Tom Reardon and Amy Young on Radio Phoenix tonight. Tom had asked me in advance to pick some songs and bands that meant a lot to me, and one of the ones on my list was “Lucky Guy” by the Muffs. Absolutely gutted to hear of Kim Shattuck’s passing today and I’m sure we’ll be talking tonight about the brilliant music she and her band(s) have given us. 7-8pm Pacific/Mountain on radiophoenix.org . Godspeed Kim. – Cait Brennan

Kim Shattuck was a force of nature, a beautiful person, and a good friend. We cannot believe she has left us. Nina and I had the honor of singing our favorite Muffs songs with her in 2017. We filmed it for a video podcast that is now stuck in legal limbo, and we’re probably not supposed to show it to you, but fuck it. This is “Funny Face”. And we share it with all the love in our hearts. – Veruca Salt

VIDEO: Veruca Salt and Kim Shattuck perform “Funny Face”

All my sympathies to our L.A friends who are mourning the loss of Kim Shattuck. My heart goes out to you guys. And Kim. -I always thought you were the coolest girl ever. (The girl we all secretly wanted to be). Thanks for the inspiration, the music, and the lessons in how to be the best kick-Ass self a person can be. (And of course, you were one of the “Kim’s” on my list). rip. – Mary Lou Lord

We are devastated about Kim’s passing. She was a genuine musician, writer and performer who committed her life for the cause. She brought all of her life force to her endeavors and we are fortunate for her sharing some of that life force with us. RIP. — PIXIES (@PIXIES) October 3, 2019

Sad to report on another crushing loss in the extended WFMU family – Kim Shattuck of The Muffs has passed away at 56 from ALS. Kim and the band appeared on many FMU shows over the years, including 5 times on The Michael Shelley Show, and performed at Monty Hall with the Muffs as well as with the Pandoras. Our deepest condolences to Ronnie, Roy, Melanie, Kim’s family, friends and many fans. –WFMU

VIDEO: Kim Shattuck sings “Just A Game” at WFMU, 1/29/11

It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that Kim Shattuck has left this mortal coil. She had been suffering from ALS for the last two years. I’m going to miss her very much. She leaves a lot of music for us to enjoy with a new MUFFS album coming out soon. All of my thoughts are with her family and her friends and all of her fans. She will be missed so very much. With Melanie Vammen Kim Shattuck Ronnie Barnett, Karen Bassett, Palmyra Delran Hillary Burton. Her latest band was The Coolies. Of course we all remember her in The Pandoras Official. We’re all quite in shock over this. Rest in Peace sweet Kim. ♥️♥️♥️
This is how I’ll always remember Kim (see video). – Rodney Bingenheimer, Rodney on the ROQ

New Bomb Turks played this show, along with Devil Dogs and Didjits, and it was one of the best days/nights ever. We were hanging backstage right as The Muffs were about to go on, and Kim comes storming backstage and yells, “Does anyone have any panties?! Oh, fuck it.” They were amazing! Towards the end, Ronnie stage dives, is being shoved along face-up in the crowd, and Kim bops him in the nuts with the mic stand. Saw them many times, and they never, ever failed in the slightest. R.I.P. Kim, and thank you…. – Eric Davidson, New Bomb Turks

Fuck. Another Punk Super Hero gone. – John “Jughead” Pierson, Screeching Weasel

So sad to hear the news about Kim. She was always so cool and tough. All my interactions with her were great. She was one of my favorite song writers. When we recorded dookie we listened to the first Muffs record constantly. We will hear that rock n roll scream from heaven.
@kimshattuck #kimshattuck .. – Billie Joe Armstrong

My heart is forever broken. –Melanie Vammen, The Pandoras