SICK OF IT ALL's PETE KOLLER: LOU KOLLER 'Wanted Us To Keep The Band Going' After His Death

Guitarist Pete Koller of New York hardcore legends SICK OF IT ALL says that Lou Koller wanted the band to "keep going" after his death.

The SICK OF IT ALL vocalist died in July after a long battle with an esophageal tumor. He was 59 years old.

Earlier today (Sunday, September 13),Pete, who is Lou's brother, released a video message in which he said:  "Hey, everybody. How's it going? I know I haven't been around in a bit. I've been... And you all know why, and it's such a terrible, awful thing to happen. I'm still obviously super sad, and I am in total disbelief. I can't believe that this happened, and I can't believe that my brother is gone, and I miss him very, very much.

"Also, I'd like to thank everybody and anybody who donated a dollar to whatever, who bought a shirt, who came to the benefits, who played the benefits, all that. Everybody who helped, I thank you very, very, very much.

"Also, before Lou passed, he said a couple of things that he wanted us to do," Pete continued. "He wanted us to keep the band going, and I'm not sure how we're gonna do that, but we're working on it. And he wanted to tell everyone thank you for giving him such an amazing life. Touring the world, your job is playing your favorite music, stuff like that.

"Anyway, we have some things in the works, and I will keep you all posted. And thanks again for your support."

Lou announced in September 2025 that his cancer had returned just four months after celebrating being declared cancer-free.

When Lou first announced that his cancer had returned, he said in a video message: "I was having a really hard time with my recovery. I was having a tough time gaining weight and keeping food down. So I had some scans done, and sure enough, [the cancer] is back. But we're gonna take it day by day and see what happens."

A benefit concert supporting Lou's battle with esophageal cancer was held on November 23, 2024 at Irving Plaza in New York City. The "I'm In The Fight With Lou" event featured performances by VISION OF DISORDER, LIFE OF AGONY and MUNICIPAL WASTE, as well as veteran New York hardcore acts KILLING TIME and CROWN OF THORNZ.

After Lou went public in late June 2024 with the news that doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in his esophagus, his brother, SICK OF IT ALL guitarist Pete Koller set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover some of the costs of his cancer treatment and assist with living expenses while the group is off the road and unable to tour. That campaign has since raised more than $380,000, with fellow artists AFI, RANCID and DROPKICK MURPHYS contributing $5,000 apiece, and bands such as SNAPCASE and HOT WATER MUSIC also making generous donations.

The long-running New York hardcore band subsequently canceled its previously announced European tour dates.

When Lou first posted about the diagnosis on social media, he said: "[Doctors] found a tumor in my esophagus that goes into my stomach, and I'll have to be getting treatment all summer — and of course, with full support of the band. As soon as they heard it, they were, like, 'Forget the tour. Just get healthy.' … They're all behind me staying home and us staying home."

Koller ended the message by saying: "I'll hopefully beat this thing and see you at the end of the summer … or maybe the winter."

SICK OF IT ALL's European tour was supposed to kick off in the Czech Republic on July 4, 2024.

SICK OF IT ALL's latest album, "Wake The Sleeping Dragon!", was released in November 2018 via Century Media.