JANI LANE's Manager: 'I Lost A Very Dear Friend'

Jani Lane's manager and good friend Obi Steinman has released the following statement regarding the passing of the former WARRANT singer:

"It is with great sadness that I announce to the music world and to all of Jani's fans that he has passed away.

"I lost a very dear friend.

"His family, including his young children, asks for privacy during this difficult time.

"Jani never gave up on his dream to entertain and bring music to the world. His memory will live on in his music and his songs helped shape '80s rock. I will miss him tremendously.

"Again, his wife and children ask for respect during this sorrowful time."

Born John Kennedy Oswald in Akron, Ohio, Lane's musical talent became evident at the age of four when the youngest of five children mastered the drums. The protge spent his high school years entertaining and excelling at high school sports.

After high school, Lane moved to Florida to further pursue music. In 1985 he formed PLAIN JANE with future WARRANT bandmate Steven (Chamberlin) Sweet. He had moved from behind the drum kit to the lead vocals and adopted the stage name "Jani" as a take on the German pronunciation of Johnny.

When PLAIN JANE moved to the Los Angeles club circuit, Lane's songwriting and stage performance gained notice of WARRANT founder Erik Turner. With WARRANT, Lane would go on to create some of the '80s metal era's biggest anthems.

Lane penned three Top 40 hit singles from WARRANT's debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich" (1989): the smash hit "Heaven", "Down Boys" and "Sometimes She Cries". The band's follow-up record, "Cherry Pie" (1990) featured another trio of Billboard Hot 100 tracks: "I Saw Red", "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and the smash hit "Cherry Pie". Widely considered WARRANT's best-known release, VH1 named "Cherry Pie" the 56th best hard rock song of all time.