Agent Steel: morto a 61 anni Chuck Profus

Chuck Profus, leggendario batterista speed/thrash metal e membro fondatore degli Agent Steel/Obscene Gesture, è morto serenamente nella sua casa di Los Angeles all’età di 61 anni il 4 giugno 2025. Rob Hill, produttore/ingegnere del suono, è andato dall’altra parte della strada per controllare Chuck perché era preoccupato di non avere sue notizie, ma ha scoperto che era deceduto sul pavimento del suo salotto. Al momento non è stata determinata la causa del decesso.

John Cyriis – (Agent Steel) Vocalist and Founder:

“The news of Chuck’s passing has left me speechless for several days from the time I learned it was official he had left us. After much reflection I can speak from my soul. Chuck was the one of the few truly human souls I’ve ever met. At the end of the day, Mr. Profus simply ‘didn’t give a f**k’ what those of the status quo, Metal community, or what anyone for that matter had to say. And so, this is one of the qualities I loved most about Chuck Profus. Chuck’s courage and determination was unmatched, and most of all he lived his life doing everything without apology exactly the way he wanted regardless of what anyone thought or said.

“By the time he pounded his first foot down on his drum pedal at the Hammersmith Odeon stage—on that longest day—his timing was immaculate, and his precision fine-tuned alongside—the best in his field of matching abilities. Yes, Chuck Profus had indeed triumphed over the odds of conquering the gatekeepers of the metal music citadels. The documented fact remains on the concert filmed at Hammersmith Odeon, Chuck Profus and Agent Steel…kicked their arses via that night’s Majestic performance by the Mighty AS!

“I will always celebrate the life of Chuck Profus, his life of fearlessness, unexpected achievements, though not his passing! Chuck Profus dared to tread the peripheries of fearlessness, and that, in my opinion, is what made him a true Metal God! To add a sincerest extra-snap to celebrate here what I most admired about him, was the fact Chuck Profus, ‘Was Not a Kiss Ass!’

“Mr. Charles Haskel Profus was the best friend anyone could have—and My best friend of all times and, in truth—the Greatest Metal warrior I’ve ever known, or better yet, have ever known of!

“Hail Chuck Profus, Hail his Legacy, as Chuck Profus is ‘True Metal Royalty!’ Farewell my friend until we meet again. I believe by true will, you continue your purest journey onward as you now occupy real estate in the Stars of the higher Cosmos; and to times everlasting…verify just who we are in the above, as was hurled below to Metal Victory… The Traveler…is free at last.”

Juan Garcia (ex-Agent Steel / EvilDead / Body Count) Guitars:

“Chuck, we’ve known each other for over 40 years, one of the first times we met was at an Abattoir show where you recruited me to join Agent Steel, since then we built a special bond, and friendship through all the years. You’re drumming on the A.S. debut Skeptics Apocalypse is incredible! You contributed to creating timeless material, we spent countless hours in rehearsal, and recording studios, and you always found ways to achieve greatness behind that drum kit. Your foot work was one of your superpowers; your contributions are legendary.

“We had an amazing time at Morrisound Studios recording Unstoppable Force and even found the time to go to Disney World! You asked me to join you on your other musical journeys, which led to the reformation of A.S., You put your legendary stomp on Omega Conspiracy. What I’ll miss the most is going to football games, Iron Maiden concerts, hockey games with you, and hanging out having coffee and talking about it. I will cherish the good times and miss you dearly…. travel on my dear friend….to the stars.

George Robb (ex-Agent Steel, Obscene Gesture) Bass/Backing vocals:

“My heart goes out to the Profus family. I personally have been stricken with grief since hearing the news. Chuck and I have been life-long friends. We worked together in 1981 & ‘82. And in 1984 we started to play together, leading to the formation of Agent Steel. He and I were like brothers, and he will always be.”

Mike Zaputil (ex-Agent Steel) Bass:

“This week we lost our dear friend, and great drummer Chuck Profus. To say we are shocked and saddened is an understatement. We will miss him terribly, me personally I’m close to being heartbroken, understand I’ve been in bands with Chuck long before Agent Steel, since 1981. Go on and fly free brother, till we meet again. You are the true Master of Metal.”

Kurt Colfelt (ex-Agent Steel / Holy Terror / Zeke / Load Levelers ) Guitars/Bass:

“Very sad news, almost 40 years to the month since the release of the first Agent Steel record, Chuck was a great guy and an even better drummer, who in the days of double bass was doing it with one foot, I’m truly glad to have been in a band with him and my condolences to his family.”

Bruce Hall (ex-Agent Steel) Lead Vocals:

“Chuck was one of the most unique and interesting people I’ve ever met. When we were around each other life felt kinda frantic, and a little bit out of control. It felt dangerous and edgy like his way of playing drums. You might have your plans changed. The authorities may be contacted. You could end up in court. You might win the lottery! I often recall a flight overseas pre 9/11 during which I was sober but Chuck and our friend, Diego, proceeded to drop uppers and downers, and drink the plane dry. Our flight attendants were charmed by Chuck and his dreadful behavior. They gave us the run of the plane.

“Those guys were mixing their own drinks, and we were making sandwiches in the galley. The flight attendants showed us naked pictures of themselves as well as pics of themselves in their dominatrix gear. Oh, the merriment! The flight attendants took Chuck’s backpack and filled it with lunchmeat, airline sized bottles of liquor, and water. When we got to Amsterdam our first stop before customs was the bathroom so Diego and Chuck could barf. They felt like absolute shit, and I felt fine, so I got us to our hotel. When we arrived there, Chuck was so happy for his care package but especially the water.

“He grabbed a pint-sized bottle and chugged it. He was half finished before he realized it was filled with vodka, and he ran to the toilet to puke. Priceless! And so typically Chuck. This story is good but it’s one of dozens I could tell. People loved Chuck. I loved Chuck. I’ll be pouring out an Agent Steel Reserve for my homie. I’m sorry he’s not around anymore.”

Karlos Medina (ex-Agent Steel / EvilDead) Bass/Backing Vocals:

“Chuck was a special man. He was a beast of a drummer. Fastest one footer that I ever seen and played with; he had this thing about drumsticks. I believe he had an injury in his hand earlier in life which caused some nerve damage, and he just couldn’t feel his hands at times. Drumsticks would fly off his hands occasionally. On tour he needed a big pile of sticks as they would fly past our heads into the audience throughout our live set.

“Plus, he was a heavy hitter and wood chips would pile up around him as he aggressively cracked them on cymbals and drumheads. There’s a musical break on the first song of The Omega Conspiracy, on the song ‘Destroy The Hush’. We were in the writing stages, and he dropped a stick on the beat, the guitars kept going and it sounded perfect, and it fit the song well, but it wasn’t a break. It was just Chuck Profus being Chuck Profus.

“We kept that break when we recorded the song. I love that break. Every time I hear that song now, that break comes up and I always remember Chuck and I pretend to duck as when the drumstick would fly past my head. Love ya Chuck. It was an honor to write, and tour with you. May your spirit fly high and forever.”