David Berman, co-founder of revered New York indie rock band Silver Jews, has died. For three decades, he made his mark as a musician, writer and cartoonist. Drag City, Berman’s longtime record label announced the news Wednesday night. His cause of death is unknown at this time. He was 52.
“We couldn’t be more sorry to tell you this,” Drag City wrote on Twitter. “David Berman passed away earlier today. A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we’ve ever known is gone. Rest easy, David.”
Berman formed Silver Jews in 1989 with Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich (also of the band Pavement), who attended the University of Virginia with him.