Rebel Spell frontman Todd Serious dead at 41

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      Todd Serious, singer of the Rebel Spell and one of the most articulate and passionate members of the Vancouver punk scene, is reported to have died on Saturday (March 7) from injuries sustained in a fall in Black Velvet Canyon, Nevada. 

      Serious—aka Todd Jenkins, age 41—fell an unknown distance while climbing with his brother.

      A long-time rock climber, Serious was no stranger to the hazards of the sport, and performed at Adstock in Maple Ridge just last summer with back problems caused by a previous fall.

      Serious's lyrics reveal a commitment to social justice, First Nations sovereignty, and animal rights.

      When the Straight interviewed him on Skype for our 2014 feature on the Rebel Spell, we discussed some of the doomsday scenarios that he lists in rapid fire in the apocalyptic title track of their album, The Last Run, including “pesticides and GMO wheat/ the water you waste for the taste of meat.”

      I asked him just what his ideal society would look like, anyhow. After thinking it over for a second, Serious replied, “I want to live in a just world.”

      It wouldn’t be a bad epitaph.

      RIP, Todd Serious. 

      Comments

      7 Comments

      Tyler

      Mar 9, 2015 at 4:39pm

      This is heartbreaking. I know this is said about everyone when they pass away, many when not deserved, but Todd was an amazing person. Kind, thoughtful, compassionate and supremely talented. The Vancouver music scene has taken a mighty blow with this news. My thoughts and sympathy to all of Todd's friends, family and band members.

      billy hopeless

      Mar 9, 2015 at 10:18pm

      he was a good soul and great artist . r.i.p

      Fan

      Mar 9, 2015 at 10:43pm

      So sad, huge loss.

      Jonny Bones

      Mar 9, 2015 at 11:49pm

      The Vancouver scene has lost one of its strongest voices. The world has lost of the strongest humans being. Todd's thought, wisdom & ideals will live on through the lyrics he wrote & the minds he inspired.

      The Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society of BC

      Mar 10, 2015 at 10:05pm

      Todd contributed in huge measure to the Stop UBC Animal Research campaign - his talent and compassion helped make possible the great strides created by his friend Brian Vincent. Todd's concern for animal welfare was indicative of his understanding of the woeful lack of justice in this world. We miss his wise counsel and courageous spirit. So hard to believe that he has left us forever now, though never in spirit.....

      Robert Hurst

      Mar 12, 2015 at 2:24am

      Todd was a care worker when I was in foster care he worked with me for 3 years he was more like a brother to me then a care worker he is and always will be my mentor rip Todd love you bro

      BILLY HOPELESS

      Mar 13, 2015 at 11:06pm

      CANT BELIEVE PEOPLE CAN DISLIKE PEOPLE MOURNING AND PAYING HOMAGE TO SOMEONE THAT WASNT EVIL BY ANY MEANS WHO DIED . TOTALLY UNCOOL FORM .