Hardy Fox, the co-founder and chief composer of enigmatic US group The Residents, has passed away at the age of 73.

In a statement posted on The Residents’ website, the band confirmed the tragic news. “It is with great sorrow and regret that The Cryptic Corporation announces the passing of longtime associate, Hardy Fox,” they wrote.

“As president of the corporation from 1982-2016, the company benefited from Hardy’s instinct for leadership and direction, but his true value came from his longtime association with The Residents.”

“As the group’s producer, engineer, as well as collaborator on much of their material, Fox’s influence on The Residents was indelible; despite any formal training, his musicality was nevertheless unique, highly refined and prolific,” the statement continued. “Blessed with a vital sense of aesthetics, a keen ear, and an exquisite love of the absurd, Hardy’s smiling face was a constant source of joy to those around him. He will be missed.”

The statement concludes by noting Hardy “succumbed to a brief illness”, which followed “a series of recent health problems”. Fox’s personal website revealed that he had been suffering from brain cancer for an undisclosed period of time.

Ever since they first formed back in the late ’60s, The Residents have been known for their anonymous nature. Performing with a series of disguises and adopting stage names, the band have continued to prolifically release music, while rarely partaking in any sort of press.

In addition to numerous music releases, the band also explored other media avenues as well, releasing a number of short films and video clips, and also becoming one of the first notable bands to utilise the CD-ROM format.

In 2015, The Residents farewelled longtime member Charles Bobuck, who left the group due to poor health. In 2017, this member was revealed to be Hardy Fox, who confirmed his involvement in the group, and revealed himself as the group’s producer and primary composer.

A statement from The Residents noted that Hardy Fox is survived by his husband, Steven Kloman.

Check out The Residents’ ‘Constantinople’: