Legendary music artist and composer Monte Cazazza, who coined and shaped “industrial music” passed away on June 30, 2023. The cause of his death has not yet been announced.
Who is Monte Cazaza?
Monte Cazazza was a prominent American artist and composer who played a key role in shaping industrial music. His contribution to the genre was primarily through his collaboration with London’s Industrial Records in the mid-1970s.
During the early stages of his career, Cazazza was based in San Francisco and is credited with coining the phrase “Industrial Music for Industrial People”. This term has become synonymous with both the label and the artists associated with it. The experimental sound manipulation and noise collages produced by Industrial Records eventually became known as industrial music.
Cazazza gained an underground reputation for his erratic performances and his provocative and antisocial aesthetic. His work has been described in Re/Search Magazine’s Industrial Culture Handbook as “outbursts of madness barely disguised as artistic events”. One notable event was the Futurist Sintesi show in late 1975, which was promoted as a “Sex – Religious Show” featuring a huge statue of Jesus being cut up with a chainsaw and subjected to violent acts.
Cazazza’s artistic endeavors have expanded beyond traditional performances. He sought maximum shock value and engaged in works designed to provoke and challenge social norms. For example, while a student at the Oakland campus of the California College of Arts and Crafts, he created a cement waterfall that rendered the building’s main staircase unusable, resulting in his subsequent eviction.
He also attracted attention by creating large metal swastikas held together by screws and engaging in unconventional activities such as burning a dead cat with formaldehyde while visiting friends. Much of Cazazza’s early work is considered obscure and difficult to find. He has explored various media, including print and sound collage, film, performance and presentation.
He was actively involved in the Mail art movement from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. Some of his early work was compiled and released on the album “The Worst of Monte Cazazza”, released by The Gray Area of Mute in 1992. During his career, Cazazza often collaborated with Factrix, an early industrial and experimental group based in San Francisco.
He also created scores for Mark Pauline and Survival Research Laboratories. Later, together with Michelle Handelman, he co-founded the independent distribution and film company MMFilms. In addition, Cazazza recorded various musical compositions.
Cazazza has caused controversy on several occasions. For example, he sent photographs of himself sitting in the electric chair on the day of the execution of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore, one of which was mistakenly published in a Hong Kong newspaper as an actual execution.
He was also photographed alongside COUM Transmissions/Throbbing Gristle members Genesis P-Orridge and Cosey Fanni Tutti for a postcard titled “Gary Gilmore Memorial Society.” The postcard showed the three artists blindfolded and tied to chairs with loaded pistols pointed at them, symbolizing Gilmore’s execution. Monte Cazazza passed away in June 2023, leaving behind a significant legacy in the field of industrial music and performance art.
Death of Monte Cazazzo
Monte Cazazza, a well-known artist based in San Francisco, passed away on June 30, 2023, leaving a deep sense of sadness among his fans. He is generally known for coining the term “industrial music” and for his significant contribution to the development of the genre. Monte Cazazza was not only a talented filmmaker and performance artist, but also an influential figure in shaping the culture surrounding industrial music.
The exact cause of Monte Cazazza’s death has not been made public. However, it is known that he struggled with a health problem a few months before his death. The news of his death was first shared on social networks by his close friend Meri St. Mary, who expressed deep sorrow and love in her post. Meri mentioned that Monte was seriously ill and in pain, and while she found comfort in the end of his suffering, she already missed him very much.
She also jokingly suggested that even in the afterlife, Monte will continue to cause trouble in his own unique way. Monte Cazazza’s artistic path is marked by his exceptional talents and a wide range of achievements. He was a prolific American artist, composer, musician, filmmaker and writer. His most significant contribution came during the 1970s and 1980s when he collaborated with London’s Industrial Records, helping to shape the experimental genre of industrial music.
Coining the term “industrial music”, Monte Cazazza dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of this artistic movement. Much of his work was centered in San Francisco, where he not only pursued solo projects, but also collaborated with various bands.
Following Monte Cazazza’s death, tributes flooded social media platforms as fans and friends paid tribute to his memory. The artist’s impact on the industrial music scene and his unique personality left a lasting impression on those who knew him and admired his work. Although an official obituary has yet to be released, the outpouring of condolences and prayers from his supporters is a testament to his lasting influence in the industry.
Details of Monte Cazazza’s funeral have not been made public and are expected to remain a secret for his family. As more information becomes available, it will be updated accordingly. At this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers go out to Monte Cazazza’s loved ones. If you would like to offer condolences, please use the comment box to express your sympathy. May the soul of Monte Cazazz rest in peace.
What happened to Monte Cazazza?
Monte Cazazza, an iconic artist based in San Francisco, met a tragic end on June 30, 2023. The news of his death shocked the industry and left an outpouring of grief among his fans and colleagues. As one of the most influential figures in the development of industrial music, Monte Cazazzo’s contribution and unique personality have been celebrated and appreciated by many.
Although the specific details surrounding Monte Cazazza’s death have not been made public, it is known that he had been struggling with a serious health condition for several months before his death. The exact nature of this illness remains unknown, as his close friends and family members kept such information a secret.
The news of Monte Cazazza’s death first appeared on social networks, where his close friend Meri St. Mary shared an emotional post to let the public know. In her sincere message, she expressed her deep sadness and love for her deceased friend. She discovered that Monte was seriously ill and in pain in his last moments, and while she found solace at the end of his suffering, she already missed him very much. Mera’s post also jokingly hinted that even in the afterlife, Monte will continue to cause evil in his own unique way.
Monte Cazazza as an artist and his significant influence on industrial music are deeply rooted in the history of the genre. He was a talented director, performance artist, composer, musician and writer, who played a key role in shaping the experimental direction of industrial music. His most notable works were created during the 1970s and 1980s when he collaborated with London’s Industrial Records.
How did the music artist Monte Cazazza die?
The exact cause of Monte Cazazza’s death has not been made public. However, it is known that he died on June 30, 2023, after a months-long struggle with a serious health condition. The specific details of the illness that led to his death were kept secret by his close friends and family members.
The news of Monte Cazazza’s death first spread on social networks, and his close friend Meri St. Mary shared a heartfelt post announcing the sad news. Meri expressed immense sadness and love as she revealed that Monte was very ill and in pain in his last moments. While she found solace in the end of his suffering, she also expressed how much she already misses him. Unfortunately, the announcement did not specify the exact cause of his death.
The departure of Monte Cazazza is a significant loss for the artistic community, especially within the industrial music scene, where he was considered a pioneering figure. As an artist, composer, musician, filmmaker and writer, he made a significant contribution to the industry, shaping the genre of industrial music and leaving an indelible mark on its development.
While the exact circumstances of Monte Cazazza’s death remain undisclosed, his legacy and impact on the world of music will continue to reverberate. His unique talent and creative endeavors will be remembered by fans and fellow artists.
As of now, an official obituary for Monte Cazazza is still pending. Funeral arrangements have not been made public and are expected to remain private for his family. Any further details will be shared with the public as they become available.
Monte Cazaza, creator of industrial music, died
Monte Cazazza, creator of industrial music and highly influential artist, passed away on June 30, 2023. His death left a deep impact on the music community, with fans and peers mourning the loss of this pioneering figure. Monte Cazazza’s significant contribution to the music industry is hard to overestimate.
He was a multifaceted artist known for his work as a composer, musician, filmmaker and writer. Throughout his career, he played a key role in shaping the experimental genre of industrial music, earning him legendary status among fans and fellow artists.
Based in San Francisco, Monte Cazazza pioneered the industrial music scene during the 1970s and 1980s. He is not only responsible for coining the term “Industrial music”, but also devoted his artistic efforts to pushing the boundaries of this genre. His collaboration with London’s Industrial Records further cemented his influence on the development of industrial music.
Despite his iconic status, Monte Cazazza remained a modest and enigmatic artist. His performances, both solo and with various bands such as Factrix, Chaos Of The Night, Psychic TV, The Atom Smashers, The Love Force and Esperik Glare, have shown his unique style and creative vision. Significant live performances such as the Marcel Duchamp Club West Show in 1971 and the radical Guerilla Art Activities in 1972 further cemented his reputation as an unforgettable performer.
Although the exact cause of Monte Cazazza’s death has not been made public, it is known that he had been struggling with a serious health problem for several months before his death. The specific details of this illness have been kept secret, allowing his close friends and family to grieve in peace.
The news of Monte Cazazza’s death first broke through a heartfelt post shared on social media by his close friend Meri St. Mary. The post conveyed deep sadness and love, highlighting Monte’s final moments of illness and pain. It also hinted at his mischievous nature, suggesting that even in the afterlife he would continue to cause trouble in his own unique way.
Monte Cazazzo’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the history of industrial music. His pioneering spirit, artistic talent and dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity left an indelible mark on the genre. The loss of such a visionary artist is deeply felt in the music community.
While an official obituary for Monte Cazazza is still pending, fans and colleagues continue to pay tribute to his profound influence and mourn his passing. Funeral arrangements have been kept private, allowing his family to grieve in a more private setting. During this time of mourning, our thoughts and prayers go out to Monte Cazazza’s loved ones.
If you would like to offer your condolences, please feel free to use the comment box to share your condolences. May Monte Cazazza’s soul rest in eternal peace and may his extraordinary contribution to industrial music continue to inspire future generations.
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Source: HIS Education