Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik, best known for Broadway hits like Spring Awakening and American Psycho as well as his own singing career, has died at the age of 56
Duncan Sheik has died at the age of 56. The Tony Award-winning composer was behind hit Broadway musicals like Spring Awakening and American Psycho, and his new project Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen is set to premiere off-Broadway early next month.
The musician also had a singing career and was perhaps best known for his 1996 song Barely Breathing. According to a statement shared on his Instagram account, Duncan died on Thursday night “surrounded by love.”
Shortly before his death, he had been receiving medical care and was described as being in a “critical but stable condition” hours before his death.
The statement, which was posted onto social media on Friday, read: “The world has a lost a singular talent, and deeply influential voice in music and theatre.
“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. Duncan was a father, husband, son, brother and friend.”
The musician was remembered for his “sensitivity, wit, intelligence, and depth of spirit he brought to those who knew and loved him”. The statement continued: “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.”
His death comes days before the New York premiere of his new musical, Memoirs Of Amorous Gentlemen, based on the Moyoco Anno manga graphic novel of the same name.
The singer-songwriter released his debut self-titled album in 1996 which contained his Grammy-nominated song, Barely Breathing. Over the years, his music was frequently used in TV hits such as Glee, 902010, and Friends.
He also picked up a slew of awards for Spring Awakening, alongside playwright Steven Sater, including the 2007 Tony award for best original score for theatre and the prize for best orchestrations. The coming-of-age rock musical is based the 1891 play of the same name by Frank Wedekind and charts the struggles of teenagers in late 19th-century Germany.
It premiered Off-Broadway in 2006 before moving to The Great White Way, and featured Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff in the leading roles before both of them went on to find global fame through the TV series Glee.
The composer later picked up the 2008 Grammy award for Musical Theater Album album and the 2010 Olivier for Best New Musical after the production had transferred to London’s West End.
His other works include writing the music and lyrics for the stage adaptation of American Psycho which opened at London’s Almeida Theatre in 2013. The world premiere production starred Doctor Who actor Matt Smith as the serial killer Patrick Bateman.
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