Singer and bassist Conrad Lant, known for his role as the frontman of the influential heavy metal band Venom, has passed away at the age of 63. The band released a statement saying, "For more than four decades, Conrad’s voice, bass and vision were at the heart of Venom. He created something that changed heavy music forever. Venom never followed the rules. They forged their own path. And Conrad was there at the centre of it all – uncompromising, fearless and unmistakable." No cause of death has been disclosed.
Early Life and Career
Using the stage name Cronos, Lant was known for his theatrical performances, often dressed in leather and making bold declarations about witches, Satan, and the underworld. He played bass for Venom, which was formed in Newcastle and became a significant influence on the thrash and black metal subgenres. Although Venom never achieved the commercial success of bands like Black Sabbath, their album Black Metal is credited with naming one of metal's most important subgenres.
Lant was born in Chelsea, London, but moved to Newcastle at the age of seven. His brothers were also musicians, with one drumming for Prefab Sprout and another for Venom in the band's later years. Venom originally started as Guillotine, which Lant joined at 16, initially playing guitar before switching to bass and eventually becoming the vocalist.
