TRAGEDY: ROCKER TRACY MICHAELZ DEAD AT 34!!

Cult Los Angeles glam rocker TRACI MICHAELZ has died under mysterious circumstances. The Peppermint Creeps drummer was found dead after the band's concert in Fort Worth, Texas on Friday (13Jun08). He was 34. The cause of death is expected to take weeks to determine. A band statement reads: "We were with him for two weeks on the road. He was the happiest we have seen him in such a long time. He was doing what he loved the most."

His bandmates insist overdose rumours are premature, stating, "None of us saw anything but alcohol, and yes, he was drinking a lot, but not unusually for Traci. Anyone who knows him, hung out with him or drank with him knew his tolerance was high." Bass player Billy Blade helped put drunk Michaelz to bed and heard him snoring before falling asleep. The drummer was found dead at 9am the following morning.