Steve Soto, Punk Rock icon and 'The Adolescents’ bassist, dies at 54
Steve Soto, bassist and founding member of the Adolescents passed away on Wednesday (June 27). He was 54 at the time. The news about the death of the singer was confirmed by the official page of the band. Steve had died of natural causes at home in Orange County. "With a heavy heart, I share the passing of Steve Soto, my friend and bandmate since 1979. I don't know what to do. or to say. goodbye, my brother," read the tweet.
Prior to starting his own band, the Adolescents in the year 1980, Steve was part of California punk rock band Agent Orange. In both the bands, he played the bass guitar. Steve was often spotted performing on both, guitar and bass guitar. At the same time, he would also add vocal harmonies to several songs such as Jack Grisham's group the Manic Low, CJ Ramone's album American Beauty, and several others.
The Adolescents consisted of band members, drummer Casey Royer and guitarist brothers Rikk, Frank, and Alfie Agnew, along with Steve. However, the band broke up in 1981. After this, Steve and Frank joined the Los Angeles-based band Legal Weapon. For this band, Steve played the bass guitar from 1981–1982. The band reunited in 1986 in order to perform a concert at Fenders Ballroom in Long Beach, California.
The concert became an instant hit and several fans along with critics praising the performance put by the band. In 1988 Steve was the main vocalist in the band but the band could not last for long as they decided to part their ways in 1989. He then went on to form a band with former Adolescent drummer Sandy Hanson and the two named the band as 'Joyride'. The band released two albums, 'Johnny Bravo' and 'Another Month of Mondays'.
At the same time, while still being part of Joyride, he also started Manic Hispanic with Mike "Gabby" Gaborno and other members of the Cadillac Tramps and the Grabbers. The band had released several albums. As soon as the news about the death of the singer broke, several people took to Twitter to pay respects to the late drummer. "We are devastated by the news of Steve Soto’s passing. He played in so many great bands, was a great bass player, guitar player, & singer, but mostly he was just an honest & sweet guy. He was our hero in the Adolescents and an inspiration to us as musicians. #heartbroken," wrote The Offspring.
The Vandals also took to Twitter to share the loss. The band posted a picture with Steve and wrote, "We are truly at a loss for words to hear about the passing of our great friend Steve Soto. The nicest guy in punk rock. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP #SteveSoto."
