David Berman death: Tributes paid to ‘inspiring’ Silver Jews and Purple Mountains singer

Indie rock singer battled depression for many years

(MediaPunch/REX)

Silver Jews frontman David Berman had died, aged 52.

The news was announced by his record label Drag City. In a statement posted on Twitter, it said: “We couldn’t be more sorry to tell you this. David Berman passed away earlier today.”

His cause of death is currently unknown.

Berman was indie rock band Silver Jews’ frontman and lyricist. His most recent release came as part of new group Purple Mountains in July and was considered a comeback after years of dealing with depression and substance abuse. The singer attempted suicide in 2003.

He formed the band in 1989 with Pavement stars Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. Over 20 years, they released six albums before parting ways in 2009.

Berman was scheduled to go on tour with Purple Mountains this Sunday.

Malkmus paid tribute to Berman, writing: “His death is f***ing dark... depression is crippling... Hope death equals peace cuz he could sure use it.”

Nastanovich remembered Berman as “a humourist and a writer” and said he’d been “amazed” by him “for most of my life”.

“It was enlightening to have such a talented friend at a young age and realise that the talent wasn’t always a blessing.”