Rick Chadock Dies: White Sister Guitarist Passes Away From Cancer

White Sister guitarist Rick Chadock passed away yesterday (Oct. 15) after a long battle with cancer.

Chadock was a member of White Sister since the band formed in Southern California in 1980. The group went on to release two studio albums which didn't find much mainstream success, but made them legends within AOR enthusiast circles. The band got their name from a 1979 Toto song.

White Sister bassist/vocalist Dennis Churchill sent the following message to MelodicRock.net about Chadock's passing:

"It's with a heavy heart and gut wrenching sadness that I have to inform you that Rick Chadock has passed away early this morning. He lost a long battle with cancer last night...we're all devastated. Rick and his amazing wife Chanel requested that his illness be kept private, not many people knew he was sick. The last two years have been like a bad dream, the last several months a nightmare...as I type this I still can't believe it.

I miss him so much, it hurts...Hug everyone you care about, tell them how much they mean to you...while you can. Peace, Dennis."

Watch White Sister at Firefest 2009
After White Sister broke up in 1984, Chadock, Churchill and drummer Rich Wright formed the Southern Rock flavored Tattoo Rodeo. The band released two studio albums and then went their separate ways. White Sister would eventually reform for the occasional live date, including two stellar appearances at the Firefest festival in England in 2008 and 2009.