Conrad “Cronos” Lant, the iconic frontman and bassist of the British heavy metal band Venom, has passed away at the age of 63. The announcement was made by the band on October 1, 2026, via an emotional tribute posted on their official Instagram account, celebrating Lant’s remarkable career that spanned over four decades.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/conrad-lant-1-c7df365ff72b41c7b628e929295d837d.jpg)
In the heartfelt message, Lant’s bandmates reflected on his profound influence within both the group and the wider music scene. “His music will never die. His voice will never fade,” the post declared, accompanied by a collage of images capturing Cronos during his electrifying performances. The tribute emphasised how Lant’s contributions were central to Venom, stating, “For more than four decades, Conrad’s voice, bass, and vision were at the heart of VENOM.”
The band expressed pride in their pioneering spirit, noting, “VENOM never followed the rules. They forged their own path,” and credited Lant as a driving force at the core of their groundbreaking approach. The message also acknowledged the unwavering support from their global fanbase, referred to as the Legions, who have played an essential role in keeping the band’s legacy alive.
Accompanying the band’s sentiments was a statement from Lant’s son, Nathan, who conveyed gratitude to the fans for their enduring support. In his message, Nathan stated, “He has laid down his soul, and his music will live on. The legend of Cronos will never die.” This tribute underscores the deep connection Lant had with the community that surrounded Venom throughout its long history.
Lant’s musical journey began in 1979 when he originally joined Venom as the rhythm guitarist. Alongside fellow band members Jeffrey “Mantas” Dunn on guitar and Anthony “Abaddon” Bray on drums, Lant helped the band carve out a niche within the hardcore heavy metal genre, contributing to the distinctive sound that garnered them a loyal following.
In a pivotal moment for the band, Lant transitioned to bass and eventually took over as lead vocalist after the departure of Clive Archer in 1980. Under Lant’s direction, Venom continued to evolve, producing classic albums such as “Welcome to Hell,” “Black Metal,” and “At War With Satan,” which are largely credited with influencing the development of thrash and black metal.
Even after the band’s initial split in 1988, Lant worked to reunite Venom with a fresh lineup, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the music and its fans. Venom’s boundary-pushing style and Lant’s powerful stage presence solidified their reputation as pioneers of heavy metal.
The band urged fans to continue celebrating Lant’s artistic legacy, stating, “And the legacy of VENOM will live on through the music he created and through the Legions around the world who continue to carry that flame.” This sentiment reflects the broader impact that Lant had not only on Venom’s music but on the heavy metal genre as a whole.
Throughout his life and career, Lant was admired for his fierce authenticity and innovative spirit, qualities that made him a beloved figure in the world of music. His contributions to heavy metal have left an indelible mark, ensuring that his presence will be felt long after his passing.
As fans and musicians alike mourn the loss of Conrad “Cronos” Lant, the heavy metal community remembers a true legend whose music and passion will certainly endure.