Bob Rupe, the talented bassist who contributed to Cracker’s third album The Golden Age (1996) and their follow-up Gentleman’s Blues (1998), has died at the age of 68.
Rupe was also a founding member of the band Solos in 1985, which made a notable appearance on The David Letterman Show in 1990.
Cracker’s official social media shared the following tribute:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bob Rupe. Bob was the charismatic bassist for Cracker from around 1994 to 1999. Alongside the late Charlie Quintana, Bob formed the rhythm section that drove Cracker’s theatre and shed tours during the band’s peak years. He also contributed bass guitar to several key Cracker albums, most notably The Golden Age and Gentleman’s Blues.
Though Bob wasn’t known for speaking often, his wit was sharp and concise. He had a deep passion for drag racing and vintage muscle cars, and the Cracker fan club release Bob’s Car features a photo of his beloved Super Bee on its cover. In addition to his work with Cracker, Bob was a founding member of The Silos and Gutterball and also played with House of Freaks and Sparklehorse. Bob was an integral figure in the central Virginia music scene throughout the 1990s and will be greatly missed by his peers.
Bob is survived by his mother, Carol; his brothers, Tom and Dan; his sister, Kathy; along with two nephews and two nieces. The cause of death is currently unknown.
This year’s Cracker Camp-in is dedicated to Bob Rupe’s memory, as well as that of Sal Maida, who passed away earlier this year.”
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