Figures from across the alternative music world have been paying tribute to Sick Of It All vocalist Lou Koller, who died aged 59 at the weekend from oesophageal cancer.

His bandmates announced his passing, which came two years after his cancer diagnosis, on Instagram, saying, "It’s with unbelievable sadness that we announce to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller. The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming.

"This year would have marked Sick of it All’s 40th anniversary as a band, and Lou’s camaraderie, commitment and enthusiasm were always steadfast throughout the years. We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman. Lou had the power to raise everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over wherever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world.

"At this time of intense grief, we must again acknowledge the great help and support offered by everyone who donated to Lou’s medical fund. You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he battled away these last two years. His battle is over now and he can finally rest. Hopefully he can somehow still see and feel the beautiful, positive mark he left on the world."

The alternative world has now come together to remember the pioneering frontman. Rise Against describes Lou as “a true friend, a father, a brother, a groundbreaking creative force in the punk, metal, and hardcore scenes, and a frontman like no other.”

“We're going to miss him dearly. Rest easy, Lou. Our hearts go out to the Koller family and our brothers in Sick of It All,” they say.

In the comment section on Instagram, Robb Flynn shares a humorous story from an occasion where Sick Of It All and Machine Head were on the same bill.

“Man, I am so sorry to hear that, from all of us in Machine Head our deepest condolences,” he writes.

"I do have one really funny story though from when we played a festival with them… Some dude was flipping Lou off, and he went over to him and he said "hey you, stop flipping me off, or you're gonna get a skinny little finger poked right in your fucking eye"... man, I laughed so fucking hard… All these years I still remember that. RIP legend.”

Biohazard’s Danny Schuler writes: “This is beyond tragic. My condolences to the koller family and Lou’s band mates and friends. Lou was undoubtedly one the greatest to ever do it, and a great friend, family man, and a gentleman . @sickofitallnyc were absolutely unstoppable! So grateful to have seen them so many times, and to have shared the stage with them many times over the years. There will never be another Lou koller. Rest in peace my brother.”

Frank Carter says: “True Hero. Watching him rip thru Borstal Breakout in London is one of my favourite memories. Condolences to you all.”

“Such sad news,” adds Gallows and Venn Records’ Laurent ‘Lags’ Bernard. “Love to the SOIA family. An inspiration and a gentleman x”

Converge mainman Jacob Bannon also offered his condolences, writing: “Your world has and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us,” while Anthrax’s Scott Ian says he is “sending all our love to his family and friends. Such a terrible loss.”

Earth Crisis praises Lou as “a legend, his impact can’t be understated,” adding: None of us would be here if not for him. He was an example, a true gentlemen always. Our condolences to family and loved ones.”

Gary Holt writes: “I am so sorry for your loss, for everyone. He was always the coolest and a total legend.”

There’s even a tribute from CM Punk. “Love you Lou and SOIA. Thank you for the soundtrack for my life. Sending hugs. Tonight’s “clobberin’ time” is for Lou,” he writes.