Although it was released almost 20 years ago, School of Rock remains a modern classic that inspires as much fondness as it did when it first came to our attention.
Whether it’s because of the tried-and-true premise, Jack Black’s boundless enthusiasm, or just a serious passion for rock music, it doesn’t seem like we’ll ever stop loving it.
And because we want to protect what we love at all costs, it hit fans particularly hard to hear about the sudden passing of one of the movie’s stars, 32-year-old Kevin Clark.
Fans of *School of Rock* will remember Clark as the school band’s drummer, Freddy “Spazzy McGee” Jones.
And according to the Chicago Sun Times , it was his talent with the drums that netted him the role despite his lack of acting experience.
And music continued to be his passion in life as he went on to form bands, write songs, and teach children just as Black’s character had in the movie that introduced the world to Clark.
Shortly before his passing, Clark had just formed a new band in Chicago and his excitement at their potential was palpable.
In the words of his mother Allison, “He told his bandmates just yesterday ‘You know, this is finally the life I want to live. And we’re going to make it. You’re my musical family — my family — and we’re all going to make it.’
Tragically, this promising future would not come to pass as Clark would end up in a fatal collision with a car while cycling.
As the Chicago Sun Times reported, this occurred at a reputedly dangerous intersection on Chicago’s North Western Avenue at 1:20 am.
The other vehicle was a Hyundai Sonata driven by a 20-year-old women who has since received several citations from the police.
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In the day since the incident, Clark’s co-star Jack Black posted an emotional tribute to him on Instagram.
As we can see, it featured a collage with the two working together on School of Rock and reuniting years later.
Accompanying the photo was a caption in which Black said, “Devastating news. Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great memories. Heartbroken. Sending love to his family and the whole School of Rock community.”
h/t: Chicago Sun Times
