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Derek Jones, a guitarist for the rock band Falling in Reverse, has died at the age of 35. The band’s frontman, Ronnie Radke, revealed the news on Twitter Tuesday night, saying, “I’ll never forget when you picked me up from jail in your old tour van to start Falling in Reverse. Your spirit will be interwoven through the music I write forever. Rest in peace Derek Jones. My heart is broken.”
Billboard reported Jones died on Tuesday, April 21. Jones’ cause of death has not been confirmed. He was born on June 5, 1984, in California. In the Twitter post, Radke included four images of Jones:
Jones was an integral part of Falling in Reverse, a band that covers many musical genres, including metalcore, pop punk and post-hardcore.
Here’s what you need to know about Derek Jones:
1. Jones Played for A Smile From The Trenches Before Joining Falling in Reverse
Before joining Falling in Reverse, he played for the band A Smile From The Trenches in Los Angeles. Jones was asked by the band’s frontman and vocalist, Stoney Anderson, to join the group, according to Last FM’s A Smile From The Trenches biography.
He joined A Smile From The Trenches in 2007, and they came out with a self-titled EP that same year. They followed the EP up with their first and only studio album, 2009’s Leave the Gambling for Vegas.
He left the band in 2010 and A Smile From The Trenches split up shortly after. That same year, Jones moved to Las Vegas and began his journey with Falling in Reverse.
2. Derek Jones Joined Falling in Reverse in 2010 & Played With Them for a Decade
Jones was the rhythm guitarist for Falling in Reverse from 2010 until his death. He played alongside his bandmates: lead vocalist Ronnie Radke, bassist Tyler Burgess, lead guitarist Max Georgiev and drummer Johnny Mele.
The band has come out with four studio albums: 2011’s The Drug in Me Is You, 2013’s Fashionably Late, 2015’s Just Like You and 2017’s Coming Home.
The band has toured with many different groups, including Atreyu, Metro Station, Escape the Fate and Attila. Earlier this month, Falling in Reverse celebrated passing one billion streams in the United States.
3. Jones Played His Last Show With the Band on March 3 in Sacramento
The last live show Jones’ played with Falling in Reverse was on March 3 in Sacramento, California, according to Alternative Press. It was a sold-out show. The band was supposed to play in another sold-out show in Sacramento the next day, however they had to cancel after Johnny Mele got sick with food poisoning.
According to the Alternative Press report, the show included other bands like World Alive and Escape the Fate.
4. Jones’ Fiance Christina Cetta Died of Cancer in Late 2019
Jones was engaged to Christina Cetta, who died from cancer in late 2019. The two set up a GoFundMe campaign in March 2019 to help pay for medical expenses. The campaign raised just under $50,000.
According to the GoFundMe campaign, Cetta had metastatic cancer, and it had spread to her lymph nodes on her left side, as well as to her right pelvic bone. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years prior, but it was treated with surgery.
On November 18, Cetta’s family confirmed her death on the GoFundMe page. They said, “It is with a heavy heart that we share that Christina has lost her battle with cancer. The family would like to thank everyone for the tremendous generosity and out pouring of love shown to Christina. Our only peace comes from knowing she is now free from pain and suffering. The Cetta Family #F*%! Cancer.”
Jones’ last Instagram post was on December 19, 2019. He posted an image with him and Cetta, saying, “The early days. I miss you beyond belief you were my best friend and everything more.” Here is the post:
5. Jones’ Bandmates & Fans Shared Their Sorrow on Social Media After the News of His Death
After Radke broke the news of Jones’ death, many bandmates and fans took to social media. Falling in Reverse bassist Tyler Burgess posted: “I’m heartbroken. You introduced me to metal bands I’ve never heard of. You always had a special food spot every city we were in saved in your phone. All the flights and drives from Vegas to LA. The s**t talking on the bus. I’m gonna miss all of it. I love you Derek.”
Countless fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
Falling in Reverse was one of this fan’s favorite bands. She posted:
She said, “Derek Jones from Falling in Reverse died and I’m not sure how to process this. [Falling in Reverse] is the main bands I listened to I cant explain how much it hurts.”
A fan named Jason was deeply inspired by Jones. He tweeted:
He said, “Rip Derek Jones. [Falling in Reverse] has influenced my life in ways that I’ll never be able to explain w/ words. 2020 just keeps on getting worse. I’m sorry for your loss Ronnie Radke. My thoughts go out to his family & friends.”
A photographer named Elizabeth took a photo of Jones back in 2013. She posted:
She said, “10/30/13, my favorite picture I ever took of Derek Jones. My heart is absolutely broken over the news of your passing. Thank you for all the happiness and music you brought into my life as well as many others. you will be dearly missed.”
More fans took to Twitter:
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