Douglas McCarthy health struggles explored as Nitzer Ebb’s frontman dies at 58

Douglas McCarthy, who was the lead singer of the EDM music group Nitzer Ebb, passed away on June 11 at the age of 58. The news of his passing was shared through a statement by the group on their Instagram page. It read:

"It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform that Douglas McCarthy passed away this morning of June 11th, 2025. We ask everyone to please be respectful of Douglas, his wife, and family in this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding and will share more information soon.”

Douglas McCarthy, who rose to fame in the 1980s with the release of his band's 1987 debut album, "That Total Age," had previously formed the band with his high school friends back in 1982. According to reports, he had suffered a couple of health challenges in the years before his death.

More about Douglas McCarthy's health explored, as singer passes away

Douglas John McCarthy was born on September 1, 1966, and grew up in Essex with his parents. According to Billboard, after performing together for nine years, during which he and his band Nitzer Ebb opened for Depeche Mode, the band went their separate ways after the release of their 1995 album, "Big Hit."

According to The Guardian, Nitzer Ebb reunited in 2007 and once again started recording music. McCarthy faced a series of health issues in the years before his death.

In 2021, before going up on stage to perform, Douglas McCarthy fell ill from a previously existing, unspecified non-COVID-related health issue. According to Side-Line, the singer was later hospitalized, and band member Bon Harris stepped up to sing on his behalf. The band had released a statement stating:

"Prior to the NEP concert at Respectable Street in West Palm Beach, Douglas suffered complications from a pre-existing, non Covid medical condition. He was admitted to hospital and is now stable and undergoing continued treatment and observation. Doug expressed his wish that the tour continue with Bon stepping in to perform lead vocals."

It further added:

"After discussions with our US booking agent, venue promoters and our touring crew, it was agreed by all that we continue the tour under this temporary lineup until such time that Douglas is healthy and strong enough to return to the stage. No shows have been cancelled, and we very much appreciate your continued support and understanding. We know you will join us in wishing Douglas a full and speedy recovery. In the interim, please do come and enjoy the tour as it continues through the USA."

Later, in 2022, he made a significant recovery and once again started touring with his band, performing across Europe. But later, his health once again declined. According to a statement released by the band in 2024, Douglas McCarthy, who previously had issues related to alcohol, was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and had to take a break from performing for the indefinite future.

In the statement, Douglas McCarthy explained the situation to his fans, saying:

"After years of alcohol abuse I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. For over 2 years I haven’t been drinking, but recovery is a long process that can at times can be extremely hard to predict. I will not be performing any live shows as NITZER EBB, FIXMER/MCCARTHY or any other vehicle until such time I can do so safely and stress free for myself and the amazing people I have around me who continue to stand by my side in full support of getting me better."

It further added:

"I am grateful of the NE family of performers and professional road crew and I am extremely proud of them all. Especially Bon whom for more than 40 years has been my partner creatively, personally and a fellow traveler in the industry.I am very pleased that you, the fans and onlookers can still experience the splendor and excitement of a NITZER EBB performance even in my absence. I’d like to thank you all and your continued support and understanding with the EBB. You are our fan base and friends."

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Douglas McCarthy, who had previously released his first and only solo album, "Kill Your Friends," in 2012, is survived by his wife, Hazel McCarthy III.

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