Laughing Hyenas' Larissa Strickland Passes Away

We're extremely saddened to report that Larissa Strickland, formerly of two esteemed Touch and Go acts-- Detroit-area blues-punk upstarts Laughing Hyenas and early 1980s punk combo L-Seven (not to be confused with later L.A. grunge-punk act L7)-- has passed away, according to a post by label head Corey Rusk on T&G's website.

While there is no official word on the details, Larissa is rumored to have died on November 4 from a prescription medication overdose.

Larissa co-founded and sang for L-Seven from 1980-1983, under her given name, Larissa Stolarchuk. The band inspired many in the local scene and even opened once for another letter-number act, a young U2. After L-Seven parted ways, Larissa went on to shred guitar (with the surname Strickland) for Laughing Hyenas-- along with vocalist John Brannon (ex-Negative Approach), and former members of Rusk's old band, the Necros-- from 1985-1995.

L-Seven released an EP in 1982 through Touch and Go's Special Forces offshoot, while Laughing Hyenas graced us with several albums, an EP, and a 7" via the label over their ten-year career. Strickland also shared her love for punk with others through her fanzine, Anonymous.

Remembered Rusk, "In the Laughing Hyenas, Larissa blazed her own trail and paved the way for the growing numbers of talented women in real rock bands in the '90s and '00s.

"She had an undeniable vibrancy and energy that was all her own. I looked up to her and was honored to be her friend and to be involved with both of her bands. I will never forget her."