Mike Milford, the vocalist of metalcore outfit Scars Of Tomorrow, has died. The news was confirmed by his former bandmates on August 8, with Milford’s colleagues remembering him as a musician, industry professional, father and friend who made a lasting impact on the heavy music community.
The band announced Milford’s passing through social media, sharing a tribute that highlighted his many contributions both onstage and behind the scenes.
“We’re thinking about our friend and singer, Mike Milford, today as we mourn the news of his passing,” the band said in a statement.
“Thank you to everyone who supported Mike and Scars over the past two plus decades. If you ever had the privilege of meeting Mike, you know what an amazing person he was. He was an incredible frontman, artist manager, label exec, father, friend and so much more.
Our thoughts are with Mike and his family today. We hope his legacy lives on through the memories he gave us and all the incredible heavy music he made.”
Milford became known to fans through his work with Scars Of Tomorrow, a band that emerged from the early-2000s metalcore and hardcore scene. The group initially released music through Thorp Records before moving to Victory Records, where it issued several albums and toured extensively alongside acts including Himsa, Atreyu and Norma Jean.
Scars Of Tomorrow went on to release The Horror of Realization in 2005, followed by another studio album in 2006. Although the band initially called it quits in 2007, it later returned in 2010 and remained active on an occasional basis, eventually releasing Failed Transmissions in 2014.
Milford’s influence, however, extended well beyond his role as a vocalist.
Throughout his career, he worked in the music business as an artist manager and label executive, with his professional work including The Artery Foundation, Artery Recordings and, more recently, Modern Empire. His involvement in those organizations gave him the opportunity to help shape the careers of numerous artists within the heavy music community.
One of Milford’s former Scars Of Tomorrow bandmates, Bob Bradley, also paid tribute to him following the news. Bradley revealed that Milford had been dealing with cancer before his death.
He said: “Rest easy, Mike Milford. You were loved by so many and made a huge impact in the heavy music and hardcore scene during our touring days together and well after. Just thinking about you and praying for your family and all that were there for him during his battle with cancer. Father, musician, music industry wizard and all around amazing guy, RIP and thanks for all the memories my friend.”
Our condolences go out to Mike Milford’s family, friends and everyone who was fortunate enough to cross paths with him.
