Duncan Sheik, “Barely Breathing” singer and “Spring Awakening” composer, dies at 56

Sheik’s career was marked by a persistent tension between mainstream recognition and his own resistance to the machinery of pop stardom.

Sheik died Thursday (file) from organ failure, his mother Suzanne Sheik told The New York Times. The Associated Press emailed his representatives for comment.

Earlier this week the singer's family shared that he was in "critical but stable condition" due to an unspecified illness.

Duncan Sheik has died aged 56 (Picture: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic) Duncan Sheik, the American songwriter who also composed Spring Awakening, has died aged 56. He had received medical attention hours before his death on September 17, but was said to be in a critical but stable condition at the time. The Grammy Award winner was due to open a new off-Broadway musical, titled Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, in a matter of days. His mother confirmed that the cause of death was organ failure in a statement. ‘It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Duncan Sheik,’ a spokesperson for Sheik told People. ‘The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theater. From his Grammy-nominated hit ‘Barely Breathing’ to his groundbreaking, Tony and Grammy Award-winning work on Spring Awakening, Duncan’s artistry touched many and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.’ He was hospitalised the day before his death(Picture: Cover Images) They continued: ‘Duncan was a father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, intelligence, and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him. ‘We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from his fans, friends, collaborators, and the artistic community. His musical legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Duncan passed away last night surrounded by love.’ Sheik rose to chart success in 1996 with his debut single Barely Breathing, which landed him a Grammy nod for best male pop vocal performance. While he released more music over the years – including a 2022 album titled Claptrap – it was his work in theatre that defined his career. In 2006, Sheik wrote the music for the musical Spring Awakening, which was critically acclaimed when it hit Broadway that fall. Spring Awakening was a Grammy and Tony winning success (Picture: Dave Allocca/StarPix) He, alongside collaborator Steven Sater, won the Tony Award for best original score and best musical, plus a Grammy for best musical show. Spring Awakening’s original Broadway run secured eight Tonys, with it’s cast including Glee stars Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele in the leading roles. A revival has been rumoured with a reunion documentary film released in 2022 renewing interest in the coming-of-age story. Sheik was also behind the musical adaptation of American Psycho, which again got a Broadway run in 2016. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

‘Barely Breathing’ singer was working on a new musical, ‘Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen,’ which is slated to begin previews Off-Broadway next week

Duncan Sheik has died. The New Jersey-born singer-songwriter, best known for the pop-rock hit “Barely Breathing” and the musical Spring Awakening, passed away last night from organ failure. "Duncan was a father, husband, son, brother, and friend," reads a statement shared on his social media. "He will be remembered for his sensitivity, wit, inteligence, and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him." Sheik was 56. The post Duncan Sheik Dead At 56 appeared first on Stereogum.