Founding member and guitarist of 1990s Alt-Rock band Sponge, Mike Cross has died. He was 57 years old. No cause of death has as yet been revealed. The band confirmed Cross’s passing on social media in a post. Cross co-wrote the bands smash hit album, the platinum selling Rotting Piñata, and follow up albums WaxEcstatic and third release New Pop Sunday.  After he departed the band due to creative differences we went on to producing and more recently was the lead vocalist and guitarist for his band MC ROADS, which released an EP, No Nostalgia, last September via Golden Robot Records. RIP. 

Sponge wrote: 

“It is with heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Mike Cross. One of the musical architects and founding member of SPONGE. His influence and talent will be missed.”

Golden Robot Records posted:

“We are devastated to hear of the passing of our rock n roll brother and GRR family member – Mike Cross. What a gracious, wonderful human who had the voice of a husky angel and played guitar like the best of them, all of our global team wish music love to his brother Tim, band mates, friends and family. A sad day for rock n roll but a great day for that ever expanding rock band in heaven.. Who we are sure Mike is part of now. We will miss you Mike.”

MC ROADS posted: 

“It is with overwhelming sadness and shock that we inform you that Mike Cross passed away Sunday March 6th. Mike was a founding member and lead guitarist of LOUDHOUSE and SPONGE which produced the gold (and then some) record Rotting Piñata. In recent years Mike formed MC ROADS and released the EP No Nostalgia. Taking the new music on the road was going to be the next step. Gone way too soon. We love you so much Mike.”