The co-founder of a popular dance band has died at the age of 58.
Douglas McCarthy, vocalist of English dance band Nitzer Ebb, died Wednesday after a battle with liver cirrhosis.
The band announced McCarthy’s death in an Instagram post Thursday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform that Douglas McCarthy passed away this morning of June 11th, 2025,” the band’s post read. “We ask everyone to please be respectful of Douglas, his wife, and family in this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding and will share more information soon.”
A specific cause of death was not revealed, though it is known that McCarthy had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in 2024. The vocalist announced he was stepping away from a European tour last year after the diagnosis which was attributed to “years of alcohol abuse.”
“For over two years I have not been drinking, but recovery is a long process,” McCarthy shared via Instagram.
The London native met bandmate and drummer David Gooday when he was 10 years old. They formed Nitzer Ebb in 1982 alongside friends Bon Harris and Simon Granger.
Nitzer Ebb signed with Mute Records in the United Kingdom and Geffen in the United States to release their debut album, “That Total Age,” in 1987.
Some of the group’s most popular songs include “Control I’m Here,” “Lightning Man,” “Fun to Be Had” and “Family Man.”
Nitzer Ebb split up in 1995 and eventually reunited for a sixth and final project called “Industrial Complexin” in 2010. McCarthy also released a solo album, “Kill Your Friends,” in 2012.
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