Rob Laakso
Rob Laakso (1979 – May 4, 2023) was an American musician, record producer and engineer, best known as the recording partner of indie rock musician Kurt Vile and as a multi-instrumentalist in his backing band the Violators. Laakso also played in the shoegaze band Swirlies, among others. Born in Massachusetts in 1979, Laakso graduated from Emerson College.
Rob Laakso | |
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Laakso performing in 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1979 Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | (aged 44) |
| Genres | Indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers |
| Labels | Matador |
| Formerly of | Kurt Vile & the Violators, Swirlies, Mice Parade |
| Website | roblaakso |
After contributing to Vile's second and fourth studio albums, God Is Saying This to You... (2009) and Smoke Ring for My Halo (2011), Laakso became a full member of the Violators in 2011 after the departure of guitarist Adam Granduciel. After joining the band, Laakso contributed heavily to Vile's subsequent studio albums, Wakin on a Pretty Daze (2013), b'lieve I'm goin down... (2015), Bottle It In (2018) and (watch my moves) (2022).
Laakso died on May 4, 2023, at the age of 44 from cholangiocarcinoma, a fairly rare and aggressive form of cancer of the bile duct. He was survived by his wife Mamie-Claire and their two children.