Gotthard’s Steve Lee Dies in Motorcycle Accident
Steve Lee, singer with Swiss rock band Gotthard, has died in a motorcycle accident outside Las Vegas. He was 47 years old.
Lee, who had a British father and Swiss mother, co-founded the band in 1990 which went on to become one of the most successful Swiss acts ever. Their last 11 albums all charted at number one.
Lee, who grew up in Ticino and did an apprenticeship as a goldsmith, backed up his song-writing ability – he co-wrote many of the band’s hits – with a voice well suited to power ballads.
Gotthard’s sound and look was similar to rock bands of the Eighties and Nineties such as Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. They had recently toured with Eighties rockers Whitesnake.
Gotthard’s single Heaven, featured in the television program “Greatest Swiss Hits”.
Only two months ago Lee and his wife, a former Miss Switzerland, were involved in a car crash in Florence.
From Rob Rockitt:
This is terrible news. Steve Lee was a huge talent & the voice of the killer band Gotthard that many in the U.S. never got to know. I am shocked & stunned by this major loss to the hard rock community. My condolences go out to the the Lee family & friends, as well as the Gotthard fans worldwide.
Sad sad news. Was one of my favourite bands of the last five years. We will miss you Steve…RIP
I am from MExico, and the day when saw Stevee Lee and Gotthard playing in my city was a DREAM ON.
Now i am very sad because Steve was always my Idol his personality and his voice were amazing. For many time i have been tried to look like Steve .
I know HE is now in the HEAVEN , like a DREAM ON, an I know that ALL WE ARE is only ONE LIFE ONE SOUL passing by this world . ANYTIME ANYWHERE i always remember you I WONDER GOTTHAR still alive .
RIP STEVE LEE. YOU are MY IDOL
RIP
I just got introduced to Gotthard last year. I’ve manged to buy all the band’s cds (not an easy task considering I’m from the USA), but 2 of them. Even during the “Open” & “Homerun” years I thought the band was awesome. First Dio, now Steve. This is not turning out to be a good year for Metal. RIP Steve and may all the guitars in Heaven go to 11 \m/
Underrated writer singer. Great songs , Will be missed.
Wieder ein genialer und charismatischer Musiker weniger! Habe dich im Januar 2009 zusammen mit Jon Lord im “Concerto For Group and Orchestra” in Luzern erleben dürfen. Das Konzert und deine Stimme waren einfach der Wahnsinn! Nun ist alles vorbei. Steve, ich wünsche dir eine gute Reise, wohin diese auch immer führt. Wir werden dich nicht vergessen.
Gutted. Great singer and great band.
I am sad of finding out about this tragic news. May Steve Lee forever be in peace. I’ll keep him and his family in my prayers.
Stone
My prayers go out to the LEE Family.
PEACE 🙂
WOW, I’M WITH YOU ROB….THE LAST FEW YEARS I’VE REALLY GOTTEN INTO THIS BAND…AWESOME BAND AND HAVE GOTTEN ALOT OF MY FRIENDS INTO THIS BAND. I’VE GOT ALL THEY’RE CDS AND LISTEN TO A FEW SONGS ALMOST DAILY.
MAN, ANOTHER GREAT TALENT AND VOICE LOST THIS YEAR(RJD).