Douglas McCarthy, frontman of the influential English EBM group Nitzer Ebb, has passed away at the age of 58.
The band confirmed his passing in an Instagram post on Wednesday, writing:
“It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform that Douglas McCarthy passed away this morning of June 11th, 2025. We ask everyone to please be respectful of Douglas, his wife, and family in this difficult time.”
They added that more details will be shared soon.
In 2024, McCarthy publicly revealed his diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver, a condition he continued to battle while remaining connected to the music community.
Emerging in the 1980s, Nitzer Ebb rose to prominence as pioneers of electronic body music (EBM) — a fusion of industrial, synth-punk, and dance music. Their raw, percussive style and commanding stage presence helped shape the underground electronic scene across Europe and beyond.
With powerful tracks like “Control I’m Here” and “Lightning Man,” McCarthy’s signature vocals and confrontational performance style became synonymous with the group’s sound, influencing generations of electronic and industrial artists to come.
As fans and fellow musicians around the world reflect on his legacy, McCarthy is remembered not only for his role in shaping EBM, but also for his passion, intensity, and creative spirit.
We started in 2010 as collectors that wanted find and rescue records from basements, attics, closets and garages. Now our main focus is to get records back into the hands of those who need them.
Phone: 720-291-7000
2025 Recycled Records LP
