Here are statements from various musicians:
William�s bandmates C.J. Pierce, Stevie Benton, and Mike Luce released the following statement: "We lost a bandmate and a best friend today. Dave Williams was one of a kind, and a friend to everyone he met. He was a good man, and a giving person. Not a day went by when he wasn't giving somebody a little present, and touching everyone around him with his passion. He was full of energy until the day he passed, and undeniably full of life. To the end, we were having a great time. We will miss him."
Ozzy Osbourne and his family who took Drowning Pool under their wing last year on the Ozzfest said the following in a statement: "Dave Williams was a beautiful man both inside and out. He is gone, but will not be forgotten. We send our love to his family and band members."
Pantera who were long time friends of Williams and Drowning Pool were also hit hard with the news. Dimebag Darrell was particularly close with Drowning Pool and gave Williams the nickname �Stage� because of Dave�s outgoing personality. Here is the statement from Pantera, "We lost a friend today. Dave Williams of Drowning Pool was found dead Our condolences go out to the Williams family and the Drowning Pool family. R.I.P Dave � You will be missed!"
Members of the band Adema, who were also on the mainstage with Drowing Pool this year on the Ozzfest and previous toured with them on the �Music as a Weapon Tour� has this to say: "Dave was our true friend, a great person and a great singer and musician. We will miss him a lot. It's so hard to believe that this has happened."
The members of Anthrax remembered Dave in this way: "Dave was a sweetheart," Anthrax said in a statement. "Dave was really funny. Dave loved metal. Dave was one hell of a nice guy. That's rare. We'll miss ya Dave. Our hearts go out toDave's family and friends."
Skid Row wrote the following on their website: "Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and crew of Dave Williams, lead singer of Drowning Pool. He was a great guy and an amazing talent, he will be missed by all that knew him."
"Machine Head would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Dave Williams," said the band in a statement. "Dave was a friend to us all, one of those guys that you couldn't help but like...he was as nice as they come, and had nothing but respect for anyone and everyone that he met. He will be sorely missed."
John Connolly, guitarist for Sevendust who was also a close friend of Williams said this in a statement: "This might be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do so please bear with me. As close as my wife Lori and I were to Dave, it felt like we were the last two to find out. I just hadn't been checking my voicemails yesterday, but when I did I could tell by the sound in Mike's (Luce) voice it was bad. I don't really know much about what happened exactly, but I do know that the guy it happened to was one of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I'm not sure if there has ever been a person who was loved by so many people. Heart is not even a good enough word to describe Dave. To say he will be missed is a tremendous understatement because he was like the brother I never had. All Dave really wanted to do in this life was to be in a platinum-selling band and tour the world, but not because he wanted to be the rock star. He got to hang out with the people he considered his heroes and in turn became one of the best frontmen I've ever seen. Please say a prayer for his family and Mike, CJ and Stevie and anyone else who knew him like I did. Our hearts go out to all of you on the Ozzfest as well. Even though Dave would want the show to go on I'm sure for alot of you it's probably the last thing you want to do. Somewhere out there Dave is probably having a shot with Lynn [Strait] and he's doing his best Sebastian Bach imitation and you know what... Lynn's got a smile on his face."
Dez Fafara from Coal Chamber remembers
Williams, "He was one of the most kindest,
gentlest, nicest people I've ever known.
He will be missed by all of us that knew him, and even those that did not."
Poison's Bret Michaels said the following:
"I was devastated to hear the news. They
were on their way to our show in Roanoke
tonight. He was such a great singer and a great friend -- a good soul.
I will really miss him."
Several bands that were on tour with Drowning Pool for this year�s Ozzfest also issued statements:
Zakk Wylde: "Our condolences to the Drowning Pool and Williams families."
Hatebreed: "Today we lost a friend. We would like to send out condolences to Dave's family, friends, and the rest of the guys in Drowning Pool."
OTEP: "The band is shocked and deeply saddened by this news. Dave was a friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his friends, bandmates, to all of his fans. ... The world is a much darker place without him here. Dave, forgive our tears. You are missed."
Mike Lewis from Lost Prophets: "We found out that Dave from Drowning Pool was found dead in his bus, which was like 40/50 yards from the pool. It was f***ing harsh. I can't even begin to imagine how those guys feel, so I'm not even gonna go into it ... but I/we were stunned to say the least. Condolences go out to everyone who knew him"
Fans have also shared their sadness and disbelief over Williams death. Here is what some fans had to say here at antiMUSIC.
Rockposer: �He was a guy everyone on the tour loved. I shocked to hear this news. I've saw them in concert, but I can say they did rock. My condolences to band and the family of Dave Williams�
kc7tpw ��fans, family and members of Drowning Pool my thoughts prayers and heart are with you in this hour you have my absolute deepest sympathies and condolences and I mourn and grieve Dave�s passing with you David Williams 1972-2002-rest in peace my friend we love you and will miss you always thank you for the wonderful gift of great music you shared so generously with all of us. We will never forget.�
The voice of reason �this is just like when the Lenny Strait got killed. He had so much potential�
Slipknot loves your mama: �Damn man!! Tell me I'm not reading this!! ..The only thing I can think of to show my respect is to learn how to play all of DP's songs. Maybe that's just stupid but it sounds good to me. Rest in piece Dave. Still can't believe this sh*t...�
rockerchick77: � he was way too young to die, but now he's raising hell wherever he is. i just hope he's not looking up my skirt! we'll miss you.�
Vanessa: �They were one of my favorite bands. I know all there lyrics. I was so excited to see them in 14 days at rock fest. It's so hard to believe that Dave is actually gone. It really is tragic that we have lost such a talented performer. RIP Dave.�
Specter: �...Geez what a huge shocker. He was so young and they were in there prime. I'm at a lost for words. I wish I could think of something decent to say as to show my respect. I can't believe it...Rest in peace man.�
Justhere: �I'm not a huge DP fan, but I about went into shock to hear this... met Dave after a concert one time, and he was an awesome dude, the world has lost a very good person... RIP Dave, you'll be missed.�
Buffcode18: �This is creepy, I met Dave 3 days ago on the Alpine Valley ozzfest in the FYE tent, I loved the guy!�
VampireRyan: �This is really sad. Its a shame that something like this happens. I was going to ozzfest tomorrow to see them. RIP Dave. You will be remembered.�
Finally Keavin Wiggins antiMUSIC and iconoFAN founder and managing editor would like to add: �I really can�t think of to say. This is really sad. I met Dave last year briefly before their concert and he was one of the most down to earth rockers I have ever met. He was one of those people you have an instant rapport with and makes you feel like you�ve known him for years. I hang on to the notion that at least he was able to experience some success and achieve that dream before he died. It�s sad when we lose anyone in music but especially tragic when the person is so young. To Dave�s friends and family I want offer condolences on behalf of everyone at iconoFAN.�
A Memorial site for Dave Williams has been set up by a friend of the late singer at RememberDave.com
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