Duncan Sheik, the singer-songwriter known for his seminal 1996 alt-pop album Barely Breathing and the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Spring Awakening, passed away on Thursday. He was 56 years old.
Sheik died at a hospital in Manhattan due to organ failure. His passing was confirmed to the New York Times by his mother, Suzanne Sheik.
Sheik built a diverse career that spanned alternative pop music and theatrical composition, earning critical acclaim and industry recognition before his death.
Spring Awakening changed everything for Broadway. Unbelievable that he’s gone at 56. Organ failure at that age is truly tragic.
Wait, is this accurate? I haven’t seen any official statement from the estate or major networks yet. Seems premature.
Completely devastated. Barely Breathing scored my entire college experience. What a massive loss to music and theater.