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John Berry, a founding member of the Beastie Boys, has passed away.

The 52-year-old musician died in Massachusetts on Thursday due to complications of frontal lobe dementia. Berry’s father confirmed his son’s death to Rolling Stone, revealing his medical condition had worsened over recent months.

Berry was credited for coming up with the legendary group’s name. He helped formed the rap/rock outfit with Mike D before Adam Yauch and early member Kate Schellenbach joined. He appeared on their debut EP Polly Wog Stew, before leaving the group in 1982.

In 2012, the Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although he left the group early, members Mike D and Ad-Rock acknowledged Berry’s role.

In the video below, Mike D and Ad-Rock read Adam Yauch’s speech (he died in 2012 from salivary gland cancer at the age of 47).

SOURCE: Rolling Stone | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter

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John Berry, Founding Beastie Boys Member, Dies  was originally published on globalgrind.com