Ted Kirkpatrick, principal songwriter and drummer for Christian metal stalwarts Tourniquet passed away this weekend aged 62. Tourniquet formed in 1990 and was founded by Kickpatrick, Guy Ritter and Gary Lenaire. Combining thrash, progressive rock and classic metal along with classical and world music, the band was nominated six times for the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award.
Kirkpatrick’s wife, Cristy, shared the news via social media. “I have some very sad news to share. My beloved husband went to be with the Lord today, August 19, 2022. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. It was a blessing to see first-hand Ted’s amazing passion for so many things that captivated him for life, and it was humbling to stand by and witness his genius, creativity and seemingly never-ending natural talent. I know many of you are broken-hearted and certainly Ted’s wish would be to celebrate his memory through his music through Tourniquet.”
“About 4 months ago, Ted was experiencing chest pain and unusual shortness of breath. Up until this point, Ted had not been in a hospital in 40 years and all covid tests came up negative, to the end. After several doctor visits to a general practitioner, Ted was referred to see a pulmonologist who conducted many tests and an accurate diagnosis was made of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF),a rare terminal lung disease of which there is no cure.”
“IPF is a serious disease that causes irreversible scarring of the lungs and progresses, or gets worse, over time. This scarring makes it difficult to breathe and eventually the lungs can’t inhale enough oxygen for the body to function properly. Typically, IPF causes severe shortness of breath to where the simplest activities of walking across a room seem nearly impossible.”
Cristy also revealed that her husband was able to share a few thoughts and reflections the night before he passed. “My life has been so full of adventure and wonderment and for the past 30 years all of you have been a great source of joy as you shared your love for our music, my passion for animals, and my desire to share the love of God with all of you,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’m forever grateful for the unending loyalty so many have shown through the years and support of whatever talents the Lord gave me on this earth.”
“I leave behind so many wonderful friends, my wonderful family, the greatest family anyone could ask for, my brothers, Doug & Jim, my sister Sue, and my wife Cristy, my forever soul mate, my best friend and the most beautiful person I’ve ever known. Thank you and I’ll see you sometime on the other side. Love, Ted Kirkpatrick’.
A Go Fund me account has been set up to help pay for Kirkpatrick’s extensive medical bills. Tourniquet fans contributed $29,000 to help with funds for a new album last year. Previous Tourniquet albums and related recording projects have included guest spots from Marty Friedman (Megadeth), Chris Poland (Megadeth), Pat Travers, Scotti Hill (Skid Row), Bruce Franklin (Trouble) and Karl Sanders (Nile), and vocalists Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest), Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Michael Sweet (Stryper), Deen Castronovo (Journey, Revolution Saints), Corey Glover (Living Colour) and Doug Pinnick (King’s X).
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