Chris Oropeza, guitarist of Bay Area hardcore band Outta Pocket (and Scumdog before that), has passed away at 25 years old. The band shared the news on social media, and drummer Dylan Gillespie penned a lengthy tribute:
I’m at a loss for words. One of my brothers. Band mates. Hardest worker i knew. Funniest dude i knew, every time he came into a room no matter what mood i was in, this dude always made me laugh and always cheered me up. Straight up the light of the room and a genuine great person.
I was hella hyped when he hit me up to be in a new project with him in 2020. Being 16, and opening for his old band Scumdog back before covid, i looked up to him for sure so being able to write music with him meant a lot to me. He really did change my life in the best way. I wouldn’t have shit without the bands and music he created. He put in so much work for music and i’m happy he was around for the time he was to be able to celebrate it with us. Seeing people sing along his words at Stay Gold meant more to him than you realise. Seeing people in Santa Cruz pull out for our record release meant more to him than you realise. Im so happy he got to experience that. It hurts so fucking bad but i’m trying to be grateful that his last time with us was spent playing awesome shows, and doing what he loves. Hardcore. Everything me, leo, sam, jarrett and everyone else does is for him. Everything is for him. Rest in Peace brother. I love you.
No cause of death has been revealed at this time.
Outta Pocket are also playing a show in honor of Chris this Saturday (9/23) in Pomona with Shadowman, Harsh Reality, Steel, Auditory Anguish, and Life Turns Cold (first show). The band released their debut full-length Waste Of A Man this year via Streets of Hate and you can stream that below.
Rest in peace, Chris.
