Punk pioneer Alan Vega dies at 78

Former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins says punk pioneer Alan Vega has died.

Rollins announced the death on his website and has released what he describes as a family-approved statement. It says Vega died in his sleep Saturday night at age 78. The statement doesn’t list a cause or say where Vega died.

Vega and Martin Rev teamed in the early 1970s to form the duo, Suicide. The band never achieved mass popularity, but is widely regarded as a forerunner of punk and electronic music.

News of Vega’s death has prompted reaction among the world of rock music. Bruce Springsteen calls Vega “one of the great revolutionary voices in rock and roll.” Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist, Flea, has tweeted a tribute , calling Vega “a great innovator.”