LAMB OF GOD Pays Touching Tribute To Longtime Bus Driver

Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD have posted a touching tribute to the band's tour bus driver Dale Lee, who recently passed away.

The group wrote: "Our band, LAMB OF GOD, was among a list of many that were lucky enough to have had Dale transport us from city to city, and all across North America... back and forth and up and down.

"Dale wasn't just a name in our tour book, or the guy that serviced our generator. He was a part of our extended family... he was one of us. We knew how he liked his coffee... we knew what to order him for dinner.

"The first time we worked with Dale was by assignment, and every time following that initial pairing was by request.

"Dale made us all feel safe. As a group, we trusted his judgement, and his ability, competence and professionalism were never in question. We certainly could, with a little bit of effort, determine the number of miles, hours and border crossings that Dale carried us through over the years. However, what can't be quantified are the late-night hours spent sharing stories back and forth about our wives, families and children... and Dale's grandchildren. The corny 'dad jokes' and political debates... the landscapes, truck stops, state lines and sunrises that we all shared individually and collectively with our driver Dale. Best of all was when he'd have a short drive ahead of him, and he'd appear on the side of the stage to watch a few songs of our set... smiling proudly... perhaps our most unlikely fan.

"Dale was one of us. We loved him... and we'll miss him dearly.

"Thanks to Dale's family for sharing him with us for so many years.

"Rest in peace, Dale Lee."

LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe posted a separate note on his Instagram, saying that it was "a sad day" for him and his bandmates. "Dale has been LAMB OF GOD's bus driver for the last few years on all of our U.S. tours," he wrote. "Dale had just come home from driving on another tour (I don't know which one) and passed away in the night. He wasn't a partier at all, so I know it wasn't drugs or alcohol or anything stupid like that. Even with 'natural' causes, it's just very sad when you lose one of the road family.

"Dale was always early for bus call every evening to make sure the bus was up and running for the drive to the next show. LAMB OF GOD has NEVER been late under Dale's watch, NOT ONCE. We used to joke, 'Dale's gonna be early to his own funeral.' Regrettably, that came true. He shouldn't have left us so soon.

"We'll miss you, Dale.

"When you are in a touring band, your life is in the hands of your driver. He is BY FAR the most important dude on that bus, but you don't often see photos of the bus driver.

"Driving a bus may not look as glamorous as the stage, but it holds a hell of a lot more responsibility, and I always felt safe with Dale driving. Plus, he would put up with me running around and taking photos of him while he was trying to get some work done.

"So rest in peace, Dale Lee. Thanks for getting us there safe and on time, EVERY SINGLE TIME. That's all that matters. My condolences to his family as well."