R.I.P. Vern Rumsey of Unwound
Vern Rumsey, bassist and co-founder of Washington post-hardcore legends Unwound, has died. He was 47. Brooklyn Vegan points out that Rumsey’s bandmate Conan Neutron in the band Household Gods posted the news via Facebook. “Absolutely stunned and shocked. Vern Rumsey is gone,” he writes. “I have no details at all. One of the sweetest and most pure hearts I know and one of my favorite bass players of all time. I can barely process this right now.”
Rumsey formed Giant Henry with Justin Trosper and Brandt Sandeno in 1988, which then became Unwound in 1991, later joined by drummer Sara Lund in 1992. Unwound released eight albums during their time together, closing out their career with the epic double album Leaves Turn Inside You in 2001. Rumsey also performed with Long Hind Legs, Fitz of Depression, Witchypoo and Blonde Redhead during his career.
“Unwound was what it was, and I loved it then, I love it now,” Rumsey told Treble in an interview about the band’s final album. “I don’t listen to it much, but when I do I think to myself ‘what a wonderful experience that was.’”