By Monk and The Dark Queen
We are devastated to learn of the sudden death of Daniel Zanker Ovalle, vocalist with Belfast occult riffers Elder Druid, who passed away yesterday (Thursday 8 January).
Just this past weekend, Daniel fronted the band at the Crypt Of The Riff weekender at the city’s Voodoo, where he had worked as a bartender and continued to promote gigs and generally help keep the local underground scene alive, via his work with Old Smoke Promotions and Sudden Strike Records.
Before taking over as Elder Druid’s frontman in December, he had been one of the band’s guitarists. He also was a member of Belfast hardcore act Embrace Execution, and previously had fronted punk outfit Belwood.
Both of us knew Daniel. He always had a ready smile and a genuine warmth, never failing to stop and say “hey”. He was a highly talented musician and had a deep commitment to, and love for, the Belfast music scene.
- Photo courtesy of Robbie Beckett.