RATT Singer Stephen Pearcy has issued he following update:

"I woke this morning to terrible news. We lost a dear friend, band mate and a sweet soul. Tim Garcia, original bass player from our band (1977-1980) MICKEY RATT. Pictured below (L-R) Tim Garcia, Stephen Pearcy, Chris Hager, John Turner):

Tim was an amazing bass player, even the first day auditioning him for the band in 1977 playing ZEPPELIN's 'Immigrant Song'. Chris Hager (ROUGH CUTT/Mickey Ratt lead gui...tarist) and I were blown away. We found our man, he was so dedicated, read music, played anything we showed him, he remembered every song and parts Chris and I would even forget to this day. We always kicked ass with Tim, and he was always willing to be a partner in crime.

When I moved the band to L.A. on Jan. 1980, he only played a few shows and returned to San Diego to start a family. He got married, had a child and life sent Tim on another path. We always kept in touch.

Tim even played with my solo band a few years back when I couldn't lock in a player to hit the road. We recently talked about getting the original band (Mickey Ratt) back together for a one time reunion.

I'm deeply crushed today and just wanted to share his brilliance as a great friend, musician, (even if not a household name) band mate and just a great soul. Another one gone. Life is short, let's appreciate even those we have trouble understanding due to substance abuse who are our loved ones or friends.

RIP Timmy, your playing is always with us and you did eventually make it on records. Mickey Ratt set the foundation for my band RATT.

Our music lives on Tim. Love ya brother."