Autograph Bassist Randy Rand Dies

IRVINE, CA – AUGUST 15: Bass player Randy Rand of the band Autograph performs onstage at the Cathouse Festival at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on August 15, 2015 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images,)

The last original member of Autograph has died.

Bassist Randy Rand has passed away of undisclosed causes, the band announced on Tuesday. “Although beyond devastated, we find some comfort and solace knowing the last couple of years have been some of his happiest as an artist and as a performer,” reads a post on Autograph’s Facebook page. “Randy was the consummate optimist and was so excited to see the new direction, creativity and renewed energy with the band. You could feel his excitement- as it was quite palpable with his playing abilities, performances and the way he interacted with his beloved fans.”

Rand’s death comes just two months after Autograph signed a deal with Frontiers Music to record a new album.