In Memoriam | Judge Murphy

We’re sad to report that Bay Area fixture Judge Murphy passed away earlier today. Guitarist Steve Kimock, who was a band mate of Murphy’s in Zero, shared the following on his Facebook Page, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our beloved brother Judge Murphy passed away this afternoon at 1:05PM pst. He was in his mountain home surrounded by the deep love of his family & friends. His courage and strength have been nothing short of heroic. We love you Judge; you will be deeply missed and always remembered.” Judge joined Zero in 1991, adding a voice to a band that had previously focused on instrumental material. More recently he fronted Lansdale Station with longtime partner Lauren Murphy.

[Photo by Raymond Van Tassel]

Murphy was diagnosed with liver cancer in January 2011. Dennis Cook profiled Judge for a moving feature just a few months later. Murphy’s positive outlook on life shined through in the article especially in his poignant final quote, “Take what you get from get from this life, work hard for what you want and be happy with it, because if you don’t you’re not going to be a very happy person.”

Kimock also shared a link to this video tribute for Judge Murphy:

Zero has cancelled their October 24th and 26th shows at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, CA; but the October 25th gig will go on as a benefit for the “Lyba Murphy (Judge’s nine-year-old daughter) College Fund.”