Sean Blosl, former guitarist and founding member of the band Sanctuary, died at the age of 58 on August 26, 2024 in Seattle. The news was shared by Lenny Rutledge, his cousin and fellow musician, via the group’s social media channels on December 31.
A key figure in Sanctuary and the Seattle music scene
Sean Blosl co-founded Sanctuary in 1985 with Lenny Rutledge, playing an integral role in the group’s beginnings. He contributed to the band’s first two albums, Refuge Denied (1988), produced by Dave Mustaine, and Into The Mirror Black (1990), which marked the Heavy Metal scene of the time.
In a moving message, Rutledge wrote: “Sean was my cousin, but to us we were more like brothers. We shared a musical dream that came true. Without Sean by my side, I don’t know if I would have had the opportunity to experience this musical adventure. I will always remember him as a source of inspiration and a mentor. Rest in peace, my brother. I’ll meet you on the other side.”
Blosl left Sanctuary during the tour Into The Mirror Black and was replaced by Jeff Loomis. Shortly after, tensions over pressure from their label Epic Records to steer them toward Seattle’s growing grunge scene led to the band’s disbandment in 1992.
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The legacy of Sean Blosl and the return of Sanctuary
After Sanctuary broke up, several members, including Warrel Dane and Jim Sheppard, formed Nevermore, who left a lasting mark on the Metal scene with seven studio albums. Sanctuary reformed in 2010 for a series of concerts, reuniting its founding members. Their album The Year The Sun Diedreleased in 2014, marked their return before Warrel Dane’s death in 2017.
Blosl will remain a respected figure in the Seattle music scene, having made heavy metal history with his talent and creativity.
