REPORTOriginal Beastie Boys Member John Berry Has Died at Age 52

John Berry, an original member of 1980s rap-rock band the Beastie Boys, has sadly died. He was 52-years-old.

The musician passed away on Thursday, May 19 in a Massachusetts hospice care, according to Rolling Stone.

John, second from right, with the Beastie Boys in 1981.

John’s father, John Berry III, told the magazine his son battled frontal lobe dementia and his condition had gotten much worse in the months leading up to his death.

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John helped form the Beastie Boys in 1981 — he’s credited with coming up with the group’s iconic name! — alongside bandmates Michael “Mike D” Diamond, Kate Schellenbach and the late Adam “MCA” Yauch. He later left the band in 1982 after the group recorded their debut EP Polly Wog Stew.

Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends during this difficult time.