Punk veteran Steve Soto, founder of Adolescents and Agent Orange has died

Written by Bianca Davino on 29th June, 2018

Steve Soto, founder and bassist of seminal punk acts Adolescents and Agent Orange has passed away at age 54. His death was confirmed by Adolescents’ Tony Reflex in a Twitter post late in the evening of June 28th. His cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

“With heavy heart i share the passing of steve soto, my friend and bandmate since 1979. i dont know what to do. or to say. goodbye my brother,” said the post.

with heavy heart i share the passing of steve soto, my friend and bandmate since 1979. i dont know what to do. or to say.
goodbye my brother.
— The Adolescents (@TheAdolescents) June 28, 2018

Soto and the Adolescents recently wrapped up an East Coast tour, with European run scheduled for the coming summer.

“I’m sorry to break such bad news in such an impersonal way, but the family of Steve Soto would like everyone to know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep today, I’m sure this is a terrible blow to all of you. He will be missed. We will be posting details on a memorial as plans are finalized.” the band said in a statement with Punk News.

Soto was a pivotal figure in the development of Southern Californian pop punk scene in the early 80s, with Adolescents and Agent Orange going on to become two of the most influential bands within the genre. Founded in 1979, Adolescents released their seminal self-titled debut in 1981, fondly known as the blue album” for its cover, making its mark as one of the first hardcore albums to receive distribution throughout the United States.

Agent Orange also yielded a huge influence on punk, releasing their debut album Living In Darkness in 1981.

Soto’s other projects included joining the Los Angeles outfit Legal Weapon, while in the Nineties he played in Joyride, 22 Jacks and Steve Soto and the Twisted Hearts.

Tributes honouring the musicians legacy have poured out over social media, with The Offspring and Green Day taking to Twitter and Instagram to pay their respects.

“We are devastated by the news of Steve Soto’s passing. He played in so many great bands, was a great bass player, guitar player, & singer, but mostly he was just an honest & sweet guy. He was our hero in the Adolescents and an inspiration to us as musicians,” said The Offspring in a tweet.

We are devastated by the news of Steve Soto’s passing. He played in so many great bands, was a great bass player, guitar player, & singer, but mostly he was just an honest & sweet guy. He was our hero in the Adolescents and an inspiration to us as musicians. #heartbroken
— Offspring (@offspring) June 28, 2018