Beastie Boys co-founder Adam “MCA” Yauch, 47, died Friday in New York City following a three-year battle with cancer according to his publicist.
In 2009 the musician revealed details regarding a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland. He explained, “I started feeling this little lump in my throat, like you would feel if you have swollen glands or something like that. I didn’t really think it was anything.”
He taught himself to play bass in high school, forming a band for his 17th birthday party that would later become known the world over as Beastie Boys.
The group made a name for themselves in 1986 with the album Licensed to Ill. The Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 after becoming eligible in 2007. Members include Mike “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad-Rock” and Mix Master Mike.
Yauch became involved in the movement to free Tibet in 1996 by co-organizing the Tibetan Freedom Concerts. In 2002 his passion and talent for filmmaking led to the launch of Oscilloscope Laboratories.
The musician leaves behind a wife Dechen Wangdu and their daughter, Tenzin Losel Yauch. He is also survived by his parents Frances and Noel Yauch.
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