The hardcore scene has lost one of its own,Boysetsfire co-founding drummer Matt Krupanski has passed, with the band confirming the news in an emotional statement that hits just as hard as their music always did.
Krupanski was there from the beginning, helping shape Boysetsfire’s sound from their formation in 1994 through to their initial split in 2007, before returning again between 2010 and 2012. If you grew up on that raw, politically charged blend of hardcore and post-hardcore, his drumming wasn’t just part of the band, it was part of the foundation.
A life woven into Boysetsfire’s history
In a statement shared by the band, Boysetsfire reflected on decades of memories with Krupanski, stretching back to their earliest days (per Metal Injection).
“We hate to write this. Today the BSF family lost one of our founding members, our drummer Matt Krupanski. Words are failing us. Snapshots of memories skitter through our mind. Picking him up for our first tour from high school which his parents had to give permission to leave early.”
They continued, recalling formative moments that helped define both the band and their bond.
“Writing ATE and Rookie in his parents’ basement. Smoking cigars on the beach in North Carolina after playing a very misleading Bed and Breakfast (no bed no breakfast). His weird ass drummer gang with Tucker from Thursday, Mike from the Souls and Brandon from Rise Against.”
The tribute leans into the kind of stories that only come from years on the road and in rehearsal rooms, equal parts chaos and connection.
“Abusing Tony Victorys open bar tab in Chicago. Our intense madden games which often led to near violence (not even kidding).”
Remembering more than the music
Beyond the stage, the band’s message lands on something deeper. Friendship, family, and loss.
“We are so fucking sorry George. We are so sorry Carla. We are so sorry Marc and Melissa. And our heart breaks for his daughter Georgie. We are so sorry.
“We are gutted. Our hearts are shredded. We lost a brother today. We are planning on a fund raiser for Georgie maybe for college or whatever the family decides. Matt you are missed and we love you.”
Krupanski’s legacy sits firmly inside Boysetsfire’s DNA. Those early records, the basement sessions, the tours that built their name, they all carry his imprint.
Rest easy Matt.
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