Popular rock band on continuing after frontman’s death: ‘We’re working on it’

Alabama Life & CultureLou Koller of Sick Of It All performs on stage during the third and final day of Leeds Festival on August 29, 2010 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns)RedfernsBy Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.comFans wondering whether frontman Lou Koller’s death in July was the end of the band Sick Of It All got their answer this week. Koller’s brother Pete, a guitarist for Sick of It All, said the group will carry on. “Hey everybody, how’s it going?” Pete Koller said in a video shared to Instagram per Loudersound.com. “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. “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,” he added. “Everybody who helped, I thank you very, very, very much.”That is when Pete Koller got into the band’s plans.“Also, before Lou passed, he said a couple of things that he wanted us to do, you know,” he said. “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 like such an amazing life. Touring the world, your job is playing your favorite music, stuff like that. Anyway, we have some things in the works, and I will keep you all posted. And thanks again for the support.”It was music to the ears of fans of the group. Lou Koller, 59, died back on July 24 after a long battle with cancer. The band announced his death on Instagram. “It’s with unbelievable sadness that we announced to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller,” the post read. “The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming. This year would have marked Sick of it All’s 40th anniversary as a. and, and Lou’s camaraderie, commitment and enthusiasm were always steadfast throughout the years. We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman. Loud had the power to raise everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over with where ever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world. “At this time of intense grief, we must again acknowledge the great help and support offered by everyone who donated to Lou’s medical fund,” the statement continued. “You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he battled away these last two years. His battle is over now and he can finally rest. “Hopefully we can somehow still see and feel the beautiful, positive mark he left on the world.”Fans and friends were quick to respond with love.“A legend, his impact can’t be understated,” the Earth Crisis account on Instagram replied. “None of us would be here if not for him. He was an example, a true gentleman always. Our condolences to family and loved ones.”“I am so sorry,” Jamey Jasta replied. “We love you Lou. We love you SOIA. Thank you for being in our lives & making the world a better place.”“All our love to the SOIA family and especially to the Koller family,” the Dropkick Murphys account replied. “Rest in Peace Lou we are so glad to have shared so many great memories with you. Always a class act and a gentleman. Gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN.”“Love you Lou and SOIA,” WWE star CM Punk replied. “Thank you for the soundtrack for my life. Sending hugs. Tonight’s ‘cloberrin’ time’ is for Lou.”Brian Linder is the trending editor at PennLive.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working for newspapers first in South Carolina, then Daytona Beach, Florida and now in Pennsylvania. Linder spent...