Ex Havok guitarist Shawn Tyler Chavez dead at 30

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By ( Metal Hammer ) published

Frontman David Sanchez pays tribute to man who was instrumental in forging band’s sound

Former Havok guitarist Shawn Tyler Chavez has died at the age of 30, it’s been announced.

No cause of death has yet been given but Havok frontman David Sanchez broke the news on the band’s Facebook page.

He says in a statement: “It is with deep regret that I must inform fans, friends and family of Havok that Shawn Tyler Chavez passed away on April 30 in Las Vegas.

“Shawn was the very first lead guitarist in Havok and helped forge the band’s sound in the early years. Without Shawn’s dedication during the six years of the band, Havok would not be where it is today.”

Sanchez continues: “Shawn was a gentle, likeable, sensitive, and well-spoken individual. He was one of my best friends during adolescence and he taught me a lot about an array of topics. It is sad to see him pass at such a young age. May he rock in peace”

Chavez joined Havok in 2004 and contributed to the band’s early demos. He played on their first EP Pwn’ Em All in 2007 and on their debut album Burn in 2009. He quit the band the following year.

Sanchez, guitarist Reece Scruggs, drummer Pete Webber and bassist Mike Leon are currently working on Havok’s as-yet-untitled fourth album – the follow-up to 2013’s Unnatural Selection.

Scott Munro
Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.