Rock artists took to social media on Sunday afternoon (January 26th) to express their grief and shock over the death of legendary Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant. The 41-year-old NBA basketball star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among a reported nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday morning. There were no survivors.
Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael wrote on Twitter, “Having a bad day? @kobebryant would gladly trade you. Shut the f**k up and have some appreciation for the life that you DO have. Life is short. Don’t take it for granted.”
Papa Roach tweeted, “In shock. Thanks for all you contributed Kobe. R.I.P.”
Paul Stanley of Kiss posted a photo of him and Bryant shaking hands, writing, “Kobe. Such A Shock. My Condolences To His Wife And Children. Very, very sad.”
Prophets Of Rage MC Chuck D wrote, “HE was ‘different’ . . . He sought to make a DIFFERENCE. He just got started & he created many paths.”
Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides wrote, “Extremely difficult to process the passing of Kobe. He was not only a celebrated athlete but someone who was ubiquitous in pop culture for the last 20+yrs. For many of us it’s unfathomable to think such a central figure of our childhood has passed.”
Other artists who commented on the stunning news included Blink-182's Travis Barker, Bad Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle, All That Remains frontman Phil Labonte, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and many more.
Bryant played for the Lakers for 20 years and is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won five NBA championships, was an 18-time All-Star, was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in the 2007-2008 season and is fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He retired in 2016, having spent his entire career with the Lakers, and is eligible for the Basketball Hall of Fame this year.