Jeff LaBar, the former guitarist of the glam metal band Cinderella, passed away on July 14, 2021, at the age of 58. His death shocked and saddened many fans and fellow musicians, who paid tribute to his legacy and talent. But what was the cause of his death? And how did he cope with his struggles with substance abuse and depression? Here is everything you need to know about Jeff LaBar’s cause of death cancer and his life story.
Contents
A Star is Born: Jeff LaBar’s Early Life and Career
Jeff LaBar was born on March 18, 1963, in Darby, Pennsylvania, to June and Phillip LaBar. He had an older brother, Jack, who inspired him to pick up the guitar as a teenager. Jeff was influenced by the 1970s British rock bands, such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, and Genesis.
In 1985, Jeff joined Cinderella, a local glam metal band that was rising to prominence at the time. The band was formed in 1983 by Tom Keifer, Eric Brittingham, Michael Schermick, and Tony Destra. However, Schermick and Destra left the band in 1985 to form Britny Fox, and Jeff replaced Schermick as the lead guitarist.
Cinderella was discovered by Jon Bon Jovi, who convinced Mercury Records to sign them. The band released their debut album, Night Songs, in 1986, which became a huge success, selling over three million copies in the US and spawning hits like “Nobody’s Fool” and “Shake Me”. The band toured with Bon Jovi, David Lee Roth, and Scorpions, and gained a loyal fan base.
The Rise and Fall of Cinderella: Jeff LaBar’s Musical Achievements and Challenges
Cinderella continued to release successful albums throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as Long Cold Winter (1988), Heartbreak Station (1990), and Still Climbing (1994). The band experimented with different styles, from blues rock to hard rock, and showcased Jeff’s versatile guitar skills. Jeff also contributed to the songwriting and sang backing vocals for some of the songs.
However, the band faced several challenges, such as lawsuits, label changes, and health issues. Tom Keifer suffered from vocal cord paralysis, which affected his singing ability and forced the band to cancel tours. The band also struggled to adapt to the changing musical trends, as grunge and alternative rock became more popular in the 1990s.
The band went on hiatus in 1995, and Jeff pursued other projects, such as Naked Beggars, a band he formed with Eric Brittingham and his then-wife, Gaile LaBar-Bernhardt. The band released two albums, Naked Beggars (2004) and Spit It Out (2006). Jeff also released a solo album, One for the Road, in 2014, which featured his son, Sebastian, as a guest musician.
Cinderella reunited in 1997 and performed sporadically until 2017, but did not release any new material. The band faced more difficulties, such as the death of their former drummer, Fred Coury, in 2006, and the departure of Eric Brittingham in 2015. Jeff also admitted that he had problems with alcoholism and substance abuse, which affected his performance and relationship with the band.
The Final Curtain: Jeff LaBar’s Cause of Death and Legacy
Jeff LaBar died on July 14, 2021, in his Nashville, Tennessee apartment. His wife, Debinique Salazar-LaBar, found him unconscious after not being able to reach him for days. The cause of his death was initially unknown, but later revealed to be cancer, according to his ex-wife, Gaile LaBar-Bernhardt.
Gaile said that Jeff had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, and that it had spread to his brain and spine. She said that Jeff did not want to undergo chemotherapy or radiation, and that he wanted to die peacefully at home. She also said that Jeff had been depressed and isolated for a long time, and that he had stopped taking care of himself.
Jeff’s death was mourned by many fans and fellow musicians, who expressed their condolences and appreciation for his work. Tom Keifer said that he was “not prepared” for Jeff’s passing, and that he loved him and missed him. Sebastian LaBar said that his father was his hero and his best friend, and that he was proud of him. Eric Brittingham said that Jeff was a great guitarist and a great person, and that he had many good memories with him.
Jeff LaBar’s cause of death cancer was a tragic end to a rock legend, who left behind a legacy of music and inspiration. He will always be remembered for his talent, his passion, and his spirit. Rest in peace, Jeff LaBar. You will never be forgotten.
