Former Cradle Of Filth guitarist Stuart Anstis has passed away at 48 years old. Anstis played with Cradle Of Filth between 1995 and 1999, performing on both the Dusk And Her Embrace and Cruelty And The Beast records alongside the V Empire or Dark Faerytales In Phallustein EP.
"It is with a deeply saddened heart that I have heard of the passing of my former guitarist Stuart Anstis at 48," said Cradle Of Filth vocalist Dani Filth in an Instagram post.
"Stuart -despite our eventual differences- was an amazingly talented guitarist who brought a real sense of magick to everything he wrote in Cradle Of Filth.
"For a long time he and I were bestest of friends living in a small village here in Suffolk and despite that relationship eventually changing, it did nothing to diminish the fan’s appreciation of his creative flair and talent right up to the present day.
"Vempire, Dusk… and Her Embrace (though written mostly by former members, Stuart played all the guitars on this album), Cruelty And The Beast and From the Cradle To Enslave would have been completely different creatures if it were not for the depth of his astute and deliciously dark musicianship.
"It truly is with a heavy sense of loss that we (and extreme music in general) bid farewell to Stuart. May sombre flights of ravens wing you to your grave mate."
The news of Anstis' passing was originally broken on August 22 by former Cradle Of Filth guitarist Richard Shaw. "Rest in peace, Stuart," said Shaw. It was an honour performing your music. Thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time."
