Sad news to report that former Third Eye Blind bassist and Snake River Conspiracy founder Jason Slater has died, according to TMZ and Blabbermouth.net. His daughter, Alyssa Carlson, told the site the 49-year-old musician and producer passed away on December 9th, from liver failure at a hospital in Maui, Hawaii. Apparently, he kept this a secret from his family until recently. Slater formed put Snake River conspiracy in the Bay Area in 1999 with singer Tobey Torres and released an EP, a full-length Sonic Jihad (Reprise Records), and four singles. He put the band on hiatus when his producing career took off, producing four albums Queensrÿche including Operation Mindcrime II, and albums by Earshot, Enemy, and Slaves on Dope. Several musicians commented on his passing. Continue reading →