Jeff LaBar, guitarist for glam metal band Cinderella, has died aged 58

Jeff LaBar, guitarist for Philadelphia glam metal band Cinderella, has passed away at the age of 58.

The news of LaBar’s passing was confirmed by his son Sebastian, who posted on Instagram: “My father, my hero, my idol, passed away today. I am currently at a loss for words. I love you pop! ”LaBar’s cause of death has not been made public at the time of writing.

Through Rolling stone, band members from LaBar to Cinderella released a statement in honor of the late guitarist, saying, “Heavy hearts can’t begin to describe the feeling of losing our brother Jeff. The bond that unites us over decades of making music and touring the world is something we share in a unique way as a band. “

“These memories with Jeff will be forever alive in our hearts. It is unimaginable that one of our band brothers has left us. We extend to his wife Debinique, his son Sebastian, his family and his friends our deepest condolences.

“Jeff’s memory and music will be with us forever. All of us… the group, family and management appreciate the immense outpouring of love. Rest in peace Jeff. “

Born in Darby, Pennsylvania in 1963, LaBar joined Cinderella in 1985, replacing original guitarist Michael Schermick shortly before the band signed to Mercury / Polygram Records. He has performed on all four of the band’s studio albums, starting with their debut album “Night Songs” in 1986. The band’s best-known song, the power ballad ‘Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)’, was released in 1988 and was on the tracklist for their second album ‘Long Cold Winter’.

Cinderella broke up shortly after releasing their 1994 album ‘Still Climbing’, following which LaBar reportedly supported herself by running a pizza place with her brother and working various construction jobs. The band reformed in 1996, releasing a top-hit compilation titled “Once Upon A …” that year, and a live album titled “Live At The Key Club” in 1999.

Although ‘Still Climbing’ remains their last full album, the band continued to tour regularly throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, including a prolific co-title with Poison in 2006. Cinderella officially named it. to retire in 2017.

LaBar also starred in the Naked Beggars alongside his Cinderella bandmate Eric Brittingham. Before leaving the fold in 2007, he released two albums with the Naked Beggars: their self-titled debut album in 2003, and “Spit It Out” in 2005.

LaBar released his first solo, “One For The Road,” in 2014, touring with Sebastian and Cain.

Among those who have paid tribute to LaBar are his former bandmate Jasmine Cain, Slash, Stryper frontman Michael Sweet and Jeff Soto. See these tributes below:

And here I am… posting something that I hoped I would never have to post. My hero, supporter and friend is gone. It caught me completely off guard today. I can’t tell you what this guy meant to me. Long live Jeff Labar. I miss him already. TO TEAR APART pic.twitter.com/myHaCnR9LL

– Jasmine Cain (@jasminecainrock) July 15, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Jeff LaBar’s passing. I had the honor of meeting Jeff on several occasions when he attended our shows in Nashville. He has always been a gentleman and very kind. God bless you Jeff and God bless the LaBar family, friends and fans all over the world pic.twitter.com/QeR1va5rZT

– MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) July 15, 2021

RIP Jeff Labar – Cinderella

Only 58, gone way too early !! pic.twitter.com/jt7gCqUpZs

– Jeff Scott Soto (@jeffscottsoto) July 15, 2021