Husker Du drummer, Grant Hart has died aged 56

At 2AM eastern time, via Husker Du's Facebook page, an image was posted of drummer Grant Hart without any caption. Reported on by Variety via an unnamed source, the news has since been confirmed by lead singer Bob Mould, who wrote,

"The tragic news of Grant's passing was not unexpected to me. My deepest condolences and thoughts to Grant’s family, friends, and fans around the world. Grant Hart was a gifted visual artist, a wonderful story teller, and a frighteningly talented musician. Everyone touched by his spirit will always remember."

Hart formed Husker Du with Mould and bassist Greg Norton in 1979. Going on to record such seminal albums as Zen Arcade and New Day Rising, the group have been cited as one of the most influential hardcore punk bands from the 1980's.

Remembering Hart, Mould continued,

"It was the fall of 1978. I was attending Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. One block from my dormitory was a tiny store called Cheapo Records. There was a PA system set up near the front door blaring punk rock. I went inside and ended up hanging out with the only person in the shop. His name was Grant Hart."

"We made amazing music together. We (almost) always agreed on how to present our collective work to the world. When we fought about the details, it was because we both cared. The band was our life. It was an amazing decade ... Godspeed, Grant. I miss you. Be with the angels."

Husker Du will be releasing a four disc compilation box set, Savage Young Du on November 10th.