Members of the hard rock/metal community have reacted to the sad news that Adam "MCA" Yauch, a founding member of the pioneering rap band the BEASTIE BOYS, has died at the age of 47 today (Friday, May 4th). Yauch revealed in July 2009 that he had surgery for a cancer in a salivary gland and a lymph node. Yauch's death comes less than a month after the Beastie Boys were inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland.

In 1986, the Beastie Boys became breakout superstars with the release of Licensed To Ill, which was the first hip hop album to top the Billboard album chart, selling over nine million copies. Kerry King of SLAYER (at the time on the same Rick Rubin-led Def Jam) made an appearance on the album playing lead guitar on 'No Sleep Till Brooklyn' and appeared in the music video which is a parody of glam metal.

Adam "MCA" Yauch remembered:

SLASH: "Sad day. MCA was fucking awesome. RIP man. We'll miss you very much."

ANTHRAX: "RIP MCA. Cancer, you're an asshole.

MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine: "Rest In Peace Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch of the Beastie Boys. My condolences to his family and friends."

STYX: "Another great one has passed. RIP MCA. Truly one of the best at what he did."

JEFF SCOTT SOTO: "RIP MCA...you showed us how to 'fight for the right', long live the Beasties!

JANE'S ADDICTION's Perry Farrell: "Adam Yauch has passed. As sobering news as you'll ever recieve. This part of life (death) is resolute- causes one to consider their own life, and the way they're living it. Today is a grey day. It feels as if their is no escape... Adam was a guy who brought happiness and energy to so many. That is why the news of his passing- is so stifling. Bon Voyage Adam."

BONDED BY BLOOD: "R.I.P. MCA! Our set tonight (in Dallas) goes out too you!"

SHADOWS FALL's Brian Fair: "RIP MCA of the Beastie Boys. My favorite show ever was seeing them at a small club in Boston on Check Your Head tour. Thanks for the music."

THE SILENCER: "R.I.P. MCA...The game will never be the same."