Multi-instrumentalist Joel Burrows dies of brain injuries

The Portland, Oregon multi-talented musician, Joel Burrows, who has played guitar for the post-punk indie band The Thermals and drums in The Minders, died this week, October 29, of previously sustained brain injuries.

Burrows had been battling these serious head injuries since early last year after being hit by a van while crossing the street. After spending months in ICU he was moved to an assisted living facility which focused on the recuperation of individuals with brain injuries. 

This past February, Janet Weiss organized the Songs for Joel benefit to provide Burrows with the necessary funds to purchase injury-related equipment that his insurance would not cover. The benefit featured guests such as Spoon's Britt Daniel, Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse and Ugly Casanova, Sleater-Kinney's Corin Tucker, Laura Veirs, and several other Portland musicians.

Watch a clip of Burrows performing with The Thermals below.