Former Forbidden and Nevermore guitarist Tim Calvert has sadly passed away at the age of 52. His death follows a battle with an aggressive form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). R.I.P.

Calvert’s sister, Vicky Calvert-Hawkins said the following:

“Heaven has gained another 😇 angel, my big bro, Tim Calvert. Tim passed away peacefully, Monday morning, after a long battle with ALS (Tim chose to keep his illness private). Myself, and my husband Bret, (along with several wonderful doctors, and hospice providers) are so honored to have been able to be Tim’s care giver, in our home, for the last 5 months. We are so incredibly thankful to have had this time to spend with Tim. November 7, 1965 – April 30, 2018. Note the dash “-“ in the dates. Life is all about how you live your dash “-“….. And you, my dearest Timothy, did one hell of a bad ass, bang up job, living your dash to its fullest. Well done! Incredible musician 🤘🏼🎸, airline Captain 👨🏻‍✈️ ✈️ , world traveler 🌎 , lover of nature 🐞🌲 and animals 🐶🦇🐱, faithful Oakland Raiders 🏈 & Oakland A’s ⚾️ fan, comedian 😆, and supreme master guru of WW II military/aviation history and memorabilia. I love you, big bro❤️ Cheers, until I see you again 😘🍺”

Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero also commented:

“Beyond sorrow. We just found out Tim Calvert has passed. Some have known he was battling an aggressive form of ALS for a while now. It was all very private as per his wishes.

The greatest songwriter, musician and guitarist I have ever had the pleasure or creating music with has left the building. Tim’s genius will live on forever in the 3 Forbidden records he helped create with us.

🤘🏼💔🤘🏼”

Forbidden bassist Matt Camacho added:

“The great Tim Calvert passed away quietly this morning with his family present. It’s so like Tim to request we keep it quiet because he was such a humble soul, I believe he just didn’t want anyone to make a fuss over him.

Everyone who knows Tim is a better person for it. He was the kinda guy who had no enemy and was extremely talented at everything he did. Always really funny, the kind of guy who always had the witty come back and could talk Shit with the best of them, which when living on a tour bus was essential to be able to put band members in their place.

When he joined Forbidden I barely knew how to play, and Bostaph and Locicero didn’t have allot of patience to show me the songs. I would spend many of hours as Tim walked me through all of the painstaking details and putting in his own time making sure I wouldn’t get booted from the band.

Not allot of people know this about Tim, but after he stepped away from Nevermore who was an even bigger band than Forbidden, he went on to become a Pilot and became a Captain at United….what a bad ass Mother Fucker….dude left a legacy of incredible guitar playing and became an expert in a field people spend their whole life trying to achieve.

What a fine job you did Tim Calvert…..Life well lived!!!!!

The Good ones Die Way fucking to Young….This one is gonna be tough to get through”

Ex-Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis also commented:

“Truly a sad day today to learn about the passing of my dear friend and fellow bandmate Tim Calvert. Not just an incredible guitarist and songwriter, but one who followed his love and passion for aviation to become an airline captain. To this day I’m blown away by all of his accomplishments. ALS is a horrible disease and took my friend away far too soon. May you Rest In Peace Tim.”

[via Blabbermouth]