The music world is mourning the loss of Justin Baren, the founding singer of the Chicago pop-rock band The Redwalls, who has died at the age of 40.
A Life in Music Cut Short
Justin Baren passed away on November 28, with his band confirming the tragic news to the public this week. In a heartfelt statement, the group paid tribute to their essential member, saying his energy and raw musicality helped define them. His father, Martin Baren, told the Chicago Sun-Times that his son's death was peaceful, though a specific cause was not disclosed.
Baren's musical journey began in earnest at Deerfield High School, where he and his older brother Logan, now 43, formed a band. Originally called The Pages in 2001, they were soon joined by friends Jordan Kozer and Andrew Langer, rebranding as the now-familiar The Redwalls in 2003.
Rapid Rise and Lasting Legacy
Driven by a desire to break into the "real music scene," their ambition paid off spectacularly. Before even graduating high school, the band secured a deal with Capitol Records – the legendary label that represented The Beatles in the US. Their major label debut, 'De Nova', arrived in 2005, and they performed their first single 'Thank You' on 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' that summer.
The band's star rose quickly, leading to a coveted support slot for Oasis on their UK and European tour. Despite lineup changes and a fading profile after their self-titled third album in 2007, Baren's passion for music never waned. According to reports, he had begun working on new material earlier this year.
New Music and a New Chapter
The singer was in the process of moving to Denver to be closer to his brother and family. The Redwalls' new manager, Ryan Manda, revealed that the band was working on finishing tracks the brothers recorded at Liverpool's Parr Street Studios in 2012, plus three new songs laid down in LA.
Manda noted that Baren felt the world needed uplifting music now more than ever. He was reportedly focused on a fresh start, with plans centred on honouring his musical legacy. The news marks a poignant end for a musician who, straight out of high school, aimed for the heart of the music scene and truly found it.
