DES MOINES, Iowa — The Nadas this week announced the death of longtime drummer Brandon Levi Stone.
"Brandon’s courageous battle with cancer has been an inspiration to us all and a lesson in unrelenting positivity," the band said in a Facebook post. "Brandon was funny, kind and a real badass drummer. We already miss him terribly."
Mike Butterworth, one of the band's co-founders, wrote that he knew he was lucky to have his time with Stone, but didn't realize just how lucky he was until Stone had passed.
"God bless you Brandon Stone. I will love you forever," Buttersworth wrote.
The Nadas formed at Iowa State University in the early 1990s, originally composed of just Butterworth and Jason Walsmith, but later added bassist Brian Duffey, keys, guitar, and percussion player Perry Ross and Stone. Stone was added to the band's lineup in 2012.
In over 30 years together as a band, the act has shared stages with The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, Big Head Todd and Barenaked Ladies and was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
Back in November of 2023, the band announced that Stone had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March of that year.
The Nadas credit Stone in his fight, saying he was a massive inspiration to the band and that the members are all forever changed by the time they spent with him.
"Brandon set an example by always giving 100% even on the shitty gigs. It helped us remember why we all do what we do together," the band said. "As he always said, 'Best Weekend Ever.' We love you, Brandon."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The below video showcases The Nadas sharing a song with Iowa Live on Dec. 23, 2020
