Adam Ramey of Dropout Kings Passes Away at 32

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Dropout Kings delivering a powerful performance at a concert.

News Summary

Adam Ramey, the founding member and main vocalist of the nu-metal band Dropout Kings, has tragically passed away just days before his 32nd birthday. His death is attributed to suicide after years of battling addiction, leaving behind a wife and son. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support his family, highlighting the strong connections he forged with fans and musicians. The band plans to honor his legacy by continuing to create music and raise awareness about mental health issues.

PHOENIX – Adam Ramey, the main vocalist and founding member of the nu-metal band Dropout Kings, passed away on May 19, 2025, just five days shy of his 32nd birthday. His death has been attributed to suicide after a prolonged struggle with addiction, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and the music community.

Ramey is survived by his wife, Jamie, and their 18-month-old son, Jude. In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe campaign launched to support his family has raised over $55,000 in its first eight days alone, reflecting the strong connections he forged with fans and fellow musicians. Many have reached out to Ramey’s father, James, sharing their condolences and fond memories of Adam, emphasizing how he treated them like family rather than mere fans.

Dropout Kings was established in 2016 under the name Phoenix Down, initiated by Adam Ramey and rapper Eddie “Black Cat Bill” Wellz, along with members from other local bands. They changed the band’s name to Dropout Kings in 2017 as they carved out their identity in the eclectic nu-metal scene. Ramey, known for his powerful vocal range and dynamic stage presence, aimed to lead a nu-metal revolution, a mission he articulated in a 2018 interview.

The band gained prominence with the release of two full-length albums: “Audiodope” in 2018, distributed by Napalm Records, and “Riot Music” in 2023, released by Suburban Noize Records. Additionally, they produced an EP titled “GlitchGang” in 2021. Recently, they completed recording a third, untitled album during a trip to Bel Air, California, looking forward to continuing their momentum in the music industry.

Ramey’s bandmates expressed immense sorrow over the loss of their friend and co-creator, recognizing his energy and passion for music that greatly influenced the band and its fans. Just days before his death, Dropout Kings were preparing to headline a series of anniversary concerts at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix scheduled for May 28, 2025. Their performances had become known for their vibrant energy and engagement with audiences, further solidifying their success in the nu-metal genre.

Adam Ramey was often compared to rock legends like Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, whose influence is reflected in his powerhouse vocals. His father noted that Adam was deeply compassionate and dedicated to uplifting others, often reaching out to fans who faced difficulties in their own lives. Their song “Virus”, which addresses themes of mental health awareness, drew inspiration from a childhood friend who also succumbed to suicide, illustrating Ramey’s ongoing commitment to important social issues.

Beyond music, Ramey’s contribution to the local scene involved mentoring aspiring musicians, where he offered vocal support and encouragement to many. His bond with fellow band members emphasized a relationship characterized by mutual understanding and support, both on and off stage. In response to his untimely death, the band plans to honor his legacy by continuing to produce music and perform, dedicated to their shared dream and respect for Ramey’s contributions.

James Ramey conveyed that his son struggled with depression and was uniquely sensitive to the darkness experienced by others, often absorbing their pain while channeling his light into his music. The tragic loss of Adam Ramey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and community support within the music industry.