Beloved Hard Rock Guitarist Dead at 70: ‘He Quietly Fought a Courageous Battle’

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Beloved Hard Rock Guitarist Dead at 70: ‘He Quietly Fought a Courageous Battle’ originally appeared on Parade.

Fans of the Canadian hard rock band Kick Axe, known primarily for their work in the 1970s and ‘80s, are mourning the loss of guitarist Larry Gillstrom, who died on Monday, Aug. 4, according to a recent social media post by the band. He was 70.

“It is with heavy hearts we must announce the sudden passing of Larry Gillstrom on Monday, August 4th 2025,” the band posted on its official Instagram account on Aug. 11, along with a black-and-white publicity shot of the guitarist, sporting long hair and an open sleeveless leather vest with no shirt underneath.

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“Larry maintained a positive and upbeat attitude as he quietly fought a courageous battle with cancer, all while performing live shows with Kick Axe in 2024,” the statement added. “Along with Kick Axe performances in Calgary and Winnipeg; Larry’s final show was on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 in his beloved hometown of Regina, where it all began.”

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“Larry and the band were working on a new Kick Axe album until the very end.Larry was truly a wonderful, inspirational person and musician who will be missed by his family, band mates, friends and fans worldwide. Details of a celebration of life will be provided at a later date,” it continued.

“In honour of Larry, please crank up your favourite Kick Axe song or album.… and of course Stay On The Road To Rock Forever!

*The Gillstrom and Kick Axe families respectfully ask for privacy during this time of personal grief*,” the statement concluded.

Kick Axe is best known for the 1984 album, Vices, and singles such as “Heavy Metal Shuffle,” “On the Road to Rock” and “Rock the World.” The band also found some success with their hard-rock version of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” which was performed in a style closer to Joe Cocker’s hit cover, rather than the Fab Four original.

Beloved Hard Rock Guitarist Dead at 70: ‘He Quietly Fought a Courageous Battle’ first appeared on Parade on Aug 13, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.