Adam Yauch (1964-2012)

We are greatly saddened to tell you Adam Yauch has died aged 47. He is survived by his parents, wife and daughter.

Adam was recently diagnosed with cancer, and leaves behind one of the strongest legacies. Adam began rapping with his friends Mike Diamond and Adam Horowitz in the mid 80s in his home borough Brooklyn. They went on to release one of the great debuts albums of all time, ‘Licensed To Ill’, in 1986. A string of near flawless, stunningly creative albums followed, many of which, including ‘Paul’s Boutique’, ‘Check Your Head’, ‘Ill Communication’ and ‘Hello Nasty’ are among the best ever made. Some people are calling The Beasties our Beatles, and that’s not too much of a stretch. He also did a load of really great stuff outside of his day job, which the obituary on the Beastie Boys’ website details, including direct an incredible basketball movie and raise a ton of money for people who need it.

Adam was an inspiring man, The Beastie Boys changed music, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.