The former members of Every Time I Die’s final lineup have shared emotional tributes to their late bandmate and friend, guitarist Andy Williams, following his unexpected passing at the age of 48.
Williams tragically died on September 5 after suffering a medical emergency during a professional wrestling match. He reportedly collapsed toward the conclusion of the bout. A cause of death has not been announced.
Williams spent decades making an impact in both the heavy metal and professional wrestling worlds, and tributes have poured in from friends, fans, musicians, and wrestlers since news of his passing emerged.
His former Every Time I Die bandmates have now shared their own memories of Williams.
Guitarist Jordan Buckley posted extensively about his longtime friend, recalling an especially fitting story from the band’s touring days.
“Once on Warped Tour Andy asked production if, when we got to Chicago, he could try and break the Guinness book of world records for most hugs given, because that was the most highly attended date. They said no due to the congestion it would cause, but, I am so lucky to have spent 28 years next to someone that would even think to ask that.”
Buckley continued:
“Today is the saddest day of my entire life. I just had to use a calculator to figure out 44-16=28 because my brain and heart feel so broken. Everything you read about him is true. I’ll cherish every minute we spent together, regret every minute we didn’t, and promise to spend the rest of my life being more like him. We all should.”
He concluded his tribute by writing:
“I love you so much Andy. I don’t want to keep typing because I’d never stop, but I don’t want to hit send because I don’t want this to be real. I’ll see you in everything forever.”
Bassist Stephen Micciche also shared a lengthy tribute, recalling a lunch he had with Williams just six weeks before his death when Williams was in Buffalo.
Micciche said the two immediately fell into their usual routine of laughing and telling stories, eventually turning what was supposed to be a quick lunch into a four-hour visit.
“That lunch turned out to be 4hrs. I told him at the end that, and I don’t know how it’s humanly possible, but how am I witnessing the best version of Andy Williams after 48 years & 26 of them knowing him? He looked great, happier than ever, and I was so glad we had that hang.”
Micciche described Williams as someone whose creativity, passion, and ability to make everyone around him feel welcome were among his greatest qualities.
“Andy was a lot of incredible things. But his true gift, almost cheat code like, was next level excelling at everything he put his creative mind and energy to, the infectious passion that he carried with it, always moving forward, & how he made everyone feel welcome & loved around him no matter who you were.”
He also reflected on watching Williams transition into professional wrestling at the age of 35.
“When he decided to give wrestling a go at age 35, I was just so in awe and inspired by him. Beating odds, dual careers living out childhood dreams. He was a walking superhero to me who I just thought would always be here.”
Micciche also remembered Williams’ ability to captivate a room and turn even the wildest stories into unforgettable moments.
“No one I’ve met on earth could captivate a room full of people & be the best narrator of one of the craziest stories you’ve ever heard like him. There were times where I’d see a circle of 12 people around him, hypnotized, soaking up every word he was saying.”
He also pointed to Cave In’s “Youth Overrided” as a particularly personal connection to Williams, noting that it was the two friends’ favorite song by the band and was the final song Every Time I Die ever recorded.
“Andy, I love you. Life will never be the same. Thank you for making me & many others better people for knowing you. What an eternal gift.”
Drummer Clayton “Goose” Holyoak shared his own tribute, emphasizing Williams’ kindness and willingness to bring people into his world.
“It’s hard to say anything that hasn’t been said about you. My feed is full of incredible memories and stories from people I don’t even know. You were truly loved. You were a true example of kindness with a beautiful mix of chaos and adventure.”
Holyoak continued:
“I’ll never forget the way you were always ready to include new people along your journey and thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be one of those people. We did so much cool shit together.”
He also recalled Williams’ determination to pursue whatever he set his mind to.
“You wanted to do the things that couldn’t be done. Anything you put your mind to you would attain. You showed us how to live life to the fullest and I was lucky enough to be in the seat with you.”
Former Every Time I Die vocalist Keith Buckley, who now performs with Many Eyes, kept his tribute brief, writing:
“I love you, Big Man.”
Former bassist Josh Newton also shared a short but poignant message:
“Until next time. Tell your friends you love them. He did.”
Williams was a founding member of Every Time I Die and remained with the band throughout their entire career. Following the group’s breakup in 2022, he continued pursuing professional wrestling, where he performed under the name The Butcher.
His work across both music and wrestling left a lasting impression on two very different communities, both of which have continued to remember him following his passing.
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