Since this morning, the entire Riot Fest staff has been shaken at the news of Steve Soto’s sudden escape from this Planet Fuck we call Earth. Best known for forming SoCal hardcore punk pioneers the Adolescents—until today, Soto was the band’s only original member—the bassist, vocalist, and songwriter also started Agent Orange, and ripped it up with 22 Jacks, C.J. Ramone, Greg Hetson’s Original Punk Rock Karaoke, and Manic Hispanic, to name more than a few.
Any punk fan who took even the most casual stroll through social mediaville this afternoon had their heart melt from the enormous outpouring of love, respect, shock, and terrible sadness sent in Soto’s direction. And while the Soto never had the chance to play Riot Fest with the Adolescents as planned, Steve Soto most certainly lived a life, made the rounds, and left an indelible impression on seemingly anybody who crossed his path.
The Adolescents declare their hatred for children on the lead track of their 1981 self-titled debut record (you’ve most likely seen its iconic cover; it’s the original Blue Album, and was one of the most widely-distributed hardcore records of its time), and now it makes a lot more sense: If Soto had his way, he’d give all the children away… because he needed to save room for the scores of friends, fans, admirers, and disciples that he’s now left behind.
In honor of punk rock’s latest gaping void, we dove deep into the socials and collected some of the wonderful things that our community’s been saying—and feeling—about the late, great, Steve Soto. Grab a tissue, hit the play button, and read on.
And Steve? Looks like your karma’s way up… you will definitely shine on; like the moon, and the stars, and the sun.
with heavy heart i share the passing of steve soto, my friend and bandmate since 1979. i dont know what to do. or to say.
goodbye my brother.
— The Adolescents (@TheAdolescents) June 28, 2018
We are shocked & saddened to confirm that our wonderful friend Steve Soto passed away in his sleep. An immeasurable loss to music & humanity, the shock has yet to really sink in…
— Frontier Records (@frontierrcds) June 28, 2018
I just found out Steve Soto passed away. He fought through so many health issues & they finally caught up. He was one of the most positive people I ever knew. Did the whole @VansWarpedTour with the Adolescents in a van last summer.
RIP my friend.— KevinLyman (@KevinLyman) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto.
Kind hearted and talented.
A punk rock pioneer.— Dave Hause (@hausedave) June 28, 2018
Good bye Steve Soto 💔
Such an amazing person. Such a great loss to the underground music community… RIP.— Al Barr (@neverfal_) June 28, 2018
When you talk about California punk Rock and Punk Rock in general Steve Soto will forever be on top of the list of people who put it on the map. He 100% helped pave the way for all of us who decided to pick up an instrument and play our version of Punk. You will be missed. RIP pic.twitter.com/TSRdvkuVTB
— Lars Frederiksen (@RootsRadicals01) June 28, 2018
I played @TheAdolescents all day & read a lot of posts from punk rockers everywhere honoring #SteveSoto -I feel the best way to remember him is by playing the music! I will add @TheAdolescents to @RadioFaction #314 @SIRIUSXM & keep playing the songs!!! #ripstevesoto https://t.co/GBY9d0QPnz
— Cullen said this (@Cullensaidthis) June 29, 2018
RIP Steve Soto, thanks for all the music. https://t.co/bkdTKQ4d1A
— Ryan Fitzgerald (@ryan_fitzgerald) June 28, 2018
Sad news
Steve Soto, American musician, instrumentalist, was once part of California’s #punkrock band #AgentOrange and #TheAdolescents died on June 27, 2018 at the age of 54. #ripstevesoto#punk #punks #punkrock #punksnotdead #stevesoto #history #punkhistory #historyofpunk pic.twitter.com/7Na6KRdyHu— History Of Punk (@history_of_punk) June 28, 2018
I’m so fucking sad right now. R.I.P. to one of the sweetest most talented people I have EVER met. My absolute heartfelt condolences to everyone who was touched by the great STEVE SOTO!!!!#RIP #stevesoto #mybassguitarhero
— Rob Ruckus (@RobRuckusVegas) June 28, 2018
Just heard that Steve Soto passed away yesterday – Very very sad. X #Adolescents #SteveSoto #P4MH #SmashStigma https://t.co/Q4pkgFOUSo
— Punks 4Mental Health (@Punks4MH) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto of the Adolescents. Met him a few times and was also so nice. Easily one of the most influential bass players for me in my youth. pic.twitter.com/0NFgBl5rVC
— Jake Bowman (@RealJakeBowman) June 28, 2018
I’m kinda grateful I was born after the first wave of punk because all those original L.A. punks were crazy asshole miscreants. All of ’em. MANIACS. Except for Steve Soto. Steve Soto was ALWAYS super kind and funny and sincere. Fuck yeah, Steve.✌
— Toby (von Red Scare) (@RedScareToby) June 28, 2018
Sad we lost Steve Soto of Adolescents. Last time we were together was on stage at the Viper Room covering Sonic Reducer We will miss you!
— Matt Pinfield (@mattpinfield) June 28, 2018
Unbelievably sad to hear of the passing of Steve Soto. The Adolescents have been, and continue to be, my favorite band in the world. I was blessed to be able to play a number of solo shows with Steve, and considered him a friend. Go easy man. pic.twitter.com/by4Fq4hcHC
— Russ Rankin (@russrankinNJD) June 28, 2018
In 2008, I toured in the USA with Steve Soto & The Twisted Hearts. I was opening the shows but Steve and his band also learned my songs. Woke up to the sad news of his passing. RIP – a generous, sweet man and a punk legend.
— Frank Turner (@frankturner) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto! Finding a cut out copy of the Adolescents LP in the dollar bin was a life changer for this punk. https://t.co/t8yBIqZlM5
— Maximum Rocknroll (@maxrnr) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto
— John Feldmann (@JohnFeldy) June 28, 2018
Steve Soto, good friend, great listener, great story teller with a heart of gold. Amazing sense of humor and always a pleasure to pass the time with. A truly gifted musical man, you will be missed. We love you. Steve Soto photographed by John Gilhooley at Alex’s Bar. #stevesoto pic.twitter.com/9HSQ5oRCiB
— SideOneDummy Records (@SideOneDummy) June 28, 2018
Me hanging out with some of my favorite dudes on the Salty Dog Cruise this past April: Steve Soto, Stan Lee, Dan Root, Donnie Spada, and Pete Parada. RIP Steve. -Dexter pic.twitter.com/T3fderXwzt
— Offspring (@offspring) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto
— Shepard Fairey (@OBEYGIANT) June 28, 2018
Two years ago with Adolescents in Germany…. RIP Steve Soto: Much love & massive respect. – SxTx pic.twitter.com/WWuFdxB4Cz
— SUICIDAL TENDENCIES (@OFFICIALSTIG) June 28, 2018
Heartbreaking news that Steve Soto has passed. Such a kind & humble guy, in addition to being an original California punk legend & innovator. I was fortunate enough to have casually known him since the 90s & he was always such a good dude. 🌹@TheAdolescents #RIPSteveSoto pic.twitter.com/KSbMumabzl
— Marko DeSantis (@SugarcultMarko) June 28, 2018
Saddened to hear about the passing of Steve Soto. I only knew Steve in passing, our bands played a handful of shows together over the years. Was always a welcoming and friendly face to run into. I’m appreciative of those memories and having had the chance to share the stage.
— Laura Jane Grace (@LauraJaneGrace) June 28, 2018
When you talk about California punk Rock and Punk Rock in general, Steve Soto will forever be on top of the list of people who put it on the map. He 100% helped pave the way for all of us who decided to pick up an instrument and play our version of Punk. You will be missed. RIP pic.twitter.com/usYcaYLPxC
— RANCID (@Rancid) June 28, 2018
RIP to OC punk legend Steve Soto. Huge influence on us and many of our bands. Kids of the Black Hole may be the best punk song ever written. Ed Colver pic pic.twitter.com/JetaOROcyP
— Revelation Records (@RevelationRecs) June 28, 2018
Steve Soto, the punk veteran who co-founded the Adolescents and Agent Orange, has died at age 54 https://t.co/C8pita7HT1 pic.twitter.com/M0wvqXWzTk
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) June 28, 2018
You left this world too soon my old friend but your music is immortal. RIP Steve Soto, thanks for the melodies. pic.twitter.com/rP8yHB6Xv6
— Brett Gurewitz (@BrettGurewitz) June 28, 2018
We lost a dear friend, Steve Soto of the @TheAdolescents, who passed away too young. But his influence will carry on and his presence will be remembered as a gift to us all.
— Greg Graffin (@DoctorGraffin) June 28, 2018
We’ve lost a true punk icon. RIP Steve Soto, founding member of The Adolescents and Agent Orange. Our hearts go out to family, friends, and fans. You left this world too soon but your music and your influence will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/XA7kTmyrwU
— Epitaph Records (@epitaphrecords) June 28, 2018
RIP Steve Soto, our condolences to you & yours. ❤ https://t.co/N1kuRnHnI8
— Hatebreed (@hatebreed) June 28, 2018
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