The world has lost one of its greatest rock singers – Gotthard frontman and rushonrock favourite Steve Lee was killed in an accident during a motorcycle trip in the USA on Interstate 15 between Mesquite and Las Vegas and died at the scene.
The Gotthard singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends last weekend to fulfill a long-cherished dream for which he’d never had the time, due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the states on a Harley Davidson. The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles.
On Tuesday 5 October, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee. Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 4.30pm local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead.
Among the passengers were Gotthard bassist Marc Lynn and Lee’s girlfriend Brigitte Voss Balzarini. All other fellow riders were unharmed. Steve Lee was 48 years old.
With Steve Lee, we not only lose one of the world’s best rock voices but also an extraordinary personality. Despite his enormous successes, the singer had retained a very subtle eye for detail and often impressed the people around him with his sensitive observation. Due to his personality, he had a serious outlook, without losing his sense of humour and lust for life.
Steve Lee met his environment with respect but always had, in his gentle way, a very simple, personal touch. He understood like no one else how to enjoy without going too far – to him, alcohol and parties were things he met with level-headedness. The singer sold several million albums throughout his career with Gotthard, several of them reaching platinum, double or triple platinum status.
As well as the legions of devastated fans, Steve Lee will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his personal greatness outside of his band’s achievements.
rushonrock first had the pleasure of seeing Gotthard supporting Magnum on the latter’s UK tour in the early 90s and we’ve been big fans ever since. Never catching a break in Britain – and yet widely recognised by the UK’s melodic rock fraternity as one of the finest bands around – the Swiss stars have kept true music alive.
Our condolences go to Lee, his family, friends and band mates. Steve Lee, RIP
