Kim Shattuck, lead singer and songwriter for The Muffs, died today following a two-year struggle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Her husband, Kevin Sutherland confirmed the news today via Instagram. She was 56.
“This morning the love of my life Kim passed peacefully in her sleep after a two-year struggle with ALS. I am the man I am today because of her,” he wrote. “She will live with all of us through her music, our shared memories and in her fierce creative spirit. I love you always my Kimmy. Thanks for sharing your life with me.”
Born July 17, 1963, in Burbank, Calif. and raised in L.A. and Orange County, Shattuck was known primarily as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of LA pop punk band The Muffs. The band released four studio albums as well as numerous singles including “Lucky Guy,” “Sad Tomorrow” and a cover version of “Kids in America” used in the movie “Clueless.” Their 2016 album, “Whoop Dee Doo”, was released on Burger/Omnivore Records. It was to be followed by “No Holiday,” the band’s seventh release, slated for October 18, also via Omnivore.
From 1985 to 1990, Shattuck was a member of The Pandoras and in 2001, she was a singer, guitarist and songwriter for The Beards, a superpop side project composed of Shattuck, Lisa Marr and Sherri Solinger before a brief touring stint with the Pixies in 2013.
As the news became public, Shattuck’s friends and colleagues paid tribute on social media.
Absolutely gutted to hear that Kim Shattuck has passed after a battle with ALS. Immensely talented, inspirational, ferocious and sweet whether with the Pandoras, Muffs, Pixies or Coolies. An absolute icon. pic.twitter.com/Reu9QuAJ6S
— 1-2-3-4 Go! Records (@1234gorecords) October 2, 2019
A sad day indeed to hear of the passing of the brilliant musician/producer Kim Shattuck.A shining pioneer of female Rock & Roll musicians. She will forever be remembered by all of us @littlesteven_ug & beyond. Rock in peace. https://t.co/l59YLdGL3h
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) October 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/ForkFrenzy/status/1179533955944476672
https://twitter.com/kurt_loder/status/1179535875333656576
Kim Shattuck RIP. She was so good, always will be.
— @ACNewman (@ACNewman) October 2, 2019
Omg Kim Shattuck. 💔
— Kat Corbett (@KatCorbett) October 2, 2019
Was just remarking over the weekend how Kim has the best scream in the biz. Love The Muffs and was fortunate to see them, still rippin’, a few years back. RIP Kim Shattuck
— Tim Kasher (@timkasher) October 2, 2019
Shattuck’s latest project, The Coolies, released a six-song EP out on Wicked Cool Records earlier this year. The proceeds from the EP All go to The ALS Association Golden West Chapter.
