Introduction
Dave Lepard (born David Roberto Hellman, 28 May 1980 - 13 January 2006, Uppsala, Sweden) was the lead singer and guitarist in the Swedish Glam metal band Crashdïet.
Career
He formed the band Crashdïet in 2000 but in 2002, the band split up, and he continued with a new lineup. Their music was based on 1980s sleaze bands, such as Mötley Crüe and Twisted Sister, and the band gained a cult following, especially in Sweden.
Crashdïet released four singles from their debut album Rest in Sleaze which were hits in Sweden; "Riot in Everyone", "Breakin' the Chainz", "Knokk 'Em Down" and "It's A Miracle".
Death
On January 13, 2006, 25-year-old Dave Lepard committed suicide by hanging himself in his apartment . His body was found on January 20, 2006. His three surviving bandmates performed a final tribute show the following February. They subsequently decided to remain together and by October 2007 the trio announced they would continue under the name Crashdïet, with the approval of Lepard's family, in tribute to Lepard. They eventually hired a new singer, H. Olliver Twisted.