Bill Rieflin, the multi-talented drummer and instrumentalist that played with many bands over the span of 30-plus years, passed away at 59 on March 24th after a long battle with cancer.
Rieflin was a notable figure in the industrial rock and metal scenes. He was featured on tours and albums with several different artists, including King Crimson, KMFDM, R.E.M., Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. He got his start in 1988 with Ministry and later joined Rieflin in 2013 as one of their three drummers, working with them up until his passing.
Bill Rieflin was a gentleman and a gentle man, but he could beat the shit out of a set of drums. A musical polymath, deeply intelligent and very funny. I’ll miss sharing his darkness and his laughter. Words really don’t suffice. R.I.P., Spill Brieflin.
— Mike Mills ? (@m_millsey) March 25, 2020
Today we lost a wonderful artist, tremendous human being and an integral part of Ministry’s developments and success…
Safe travels my brother on the way to your next universal gig.
R.I.P Bill Rieflin#MinistryBand #WeAreMinistry #Ministry #Revco #BillRieflin #RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/5YfhvGUZcR
— Ministry (@WeAreMinistry) March 24, 2020
Our dear wonderful Bill Rieflin flew from this world today. Much loved HUMAN and member of King Crimson. Family by his side. Forever in our hearts. #billrieflin pic.twitter.com/Z4FkM74X1X
— Toyah Willcox (@toyahofficial) March 24, 2020
