Former Effigies frontman John Kezdy killed in bike crash, aged 64

John Kezdy, frontman and founder of Chicago band The Effigies, was confirmed to have been killed in a bike crash in Chicago this weekend.

According to reports, Kezdy's bike collided with an illegally parked Amazon delivery driver last Wednesday, 23 August. He passed away from his injuries on Saturday, 26 August. He was 64 years old.

The Effigies were an American punk band, originating in Chicago in 1980. Considered one of the first punk bands to emerge from Chicago's scene, The Effigies were trailblazing and influential. The band underwent many lineup changes, with Kezdy the only active member throughout the band's ten-year lifespan. They released five records on their label, Ruthless Records, before disbanding in 1990. However, they then reunited in 2004 and recorded one more album, their first in two decades.

More recently, Kezdy had a successful second career in the Illinois State's Attorney Office as a prosecutor. He even became bureau chief of the Office Of The Illinois Attorney General and retired from the position last year.

Steve Albini was one of many who shared a tribute to the late musician. "Not overstating to say that without John and the Effigies, I would never have made any records," Albini said in a tweet. A prolific producer, Albini has worked as a producer with bands like Nirvana and Manics.

John Kezdy was a hero of mine. Effigies were the first great band from Chicago's scene, his stern, declamatory style influenced a generation and he helped me in material ways. Not overstating to say that without John and the Effigies, I would never have made any records.
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— steve albini (@electricalWSOP) August 27, 2023

RIP John Kezdy of one of Chicago’s most important punk bands The Effigies. A sad day in Chicagohttps://t.co/OxJTprw0uF

— Reckless Records (@RecklessRecords) August 27, 2023