Sixpence None The Richer Bassist Justin Cary Dies at 50 After Stroke

Q: Why did the bassist of a platinum-selling band need a GoFundMe for his medical bills?

He needed the GoFundMe because he suffered a catastrophic stroke that led to prolonged, high-cost emergency care, not because the band’s past platinum success guaranteed personal financial security. According to posts from his bandmates and the fundraiser itself, Justin Cary was hospitalized in the ICU at Albany Medical Center in New York, underwent two surgeries, and was placed on a respirator. Those are the kinds of medical events that can generate very large bills quickly, along with lost income for both the patient and family. A platinum album also does not necessarily mean every band member is wealthy or fully protected against a medical crisis. Sixpence None the Richer’s biggest commercial peak came in the late 1990s, and Cary joined just before the 1997 self-titled album. Musicians’ earnings can vary widely depending on contracts, songwriting credits, touring income, management splits, taxes, and how long they remained active with a group. Cary also was not part of every later reunion era, which may have limited long-term income from the band. In short, the fundraiser appears to have been a response to a sudden medical emergency and the financial strain that followed. The available reporting does not show any unusual mystery beyond that: a serious stroke, intensive treatment, and the reality that even members of successful bands may not have enough liquid savings or insurance coverage to absorb major medical costs.

3 articles · Updated · stereogum.com · Jun 19

Justin Cary, bassist on Sixpence None The Richer’s breakthrough era, died peacefully Thursday morning at 50 after suffering a stroke last week.
Linda Cary announced his death a day after bandmate Leigh Nash disclosed the stroke on Instagram and shared a GoFundMe page for Cary and his wife.
Cary joined the Texas alt-pop band before its 1997 self-titled album, which spawned “Kiss Me,” a No. 2 Hot 100 hit that helped send the record platinum.
Although he sat out later reunion recordings, Cary returned with the classic lineup for touring and the band’s 2024 EP “Rosemary Hill.”