The news came via his long time collaborator John Reis who shared the following in an Instagram post:

“Rick passed away suddenly last night from natural causes. His art made life better. The only thing he loved more than art and rock n roll was his friends. He will forever be remembered for his creativity, vision and his ability to bring beauty into this world. I love you, Rick. I will miss you for the rest of my life.”

Froberg and Reis first paired up in the late 80’s playing together in Pitchfork. Later the two formed Drive Like Jehu whose 1994 LP Yank Crime, released on Interscope Records, would go on to influence countless artists in the post-hardcore world and beyond.

In the early 2000’s Froberg, collaborating once again with John Reis, would form Hot Snakes releasing three albums before going on hiatus. Rick would go on to form his latest project Obits, touring consistently and releasing music on Sub Pop. In 2011 Hot Snakes reunited and shared their 2019 LP Jericho Sirens.

Alongside his music Rick was a talented artist creating album art and merch designs for his bands as well as showing his work in galleries and designing for other artists like Metz, Shabazz Palaces and more.

In Froberg’s latest instagram post he mentions that a new Hot Snakes record was nearing completion.