A dear friend of mine named Steven Kelly sent me a message which I just viewed this morning that he had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Steve is married and has two young children that he was working and providing for. Steven was one of my earliest supporters in the early days of IVM and we’ve kept in touch all these years later. He even helped run the IVM booth at Cornerstone California in 2007 and loved the band Quick and The Dead when I signed them and put out their first official album “Going Home” back around that same time. He’s even offered some tech help over the years and was just an all around solid guy. He’s originally from Southern California but currently resides in Texas. I still remember hanging out at the IVM booth at Cornerstone California with him and PhilMetalhed, and annoying the band Here I Come Falling that were set up next to us (stories for days). Please pray for Steven and his family and please visit the GoFundMe that’s been set up on his family’s behalf: https://gofund.me/9ce79d07 I feel like playing some Quick and The Dead today, the track “He is Always There” in honor of Steven and his health battle. You’ve got this Steve! I know myself and all the long time supporters of IVM are going to turn out to support your family and we will all be praying for your recovery. Phil. 4:13.
A Longtime Friend and Supporter of IVM Makes Announcement
By Brandon J. in News | 4 Comments
Ah man, I’m sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Steven, but he sounds like a heck of a guy. Lord, please uphold this family and these friends as they grieve the loss of their dear friend and brother in Christ.
Brandon, Apologies for the late reply. Sadly, I got this text from Stevens wife on Sun, 7/26/2026: “Hi Phil. I hate to inform you. Steven passed away July 14th. – Heather” Im still in shock, since he was quite younger than u or I, but I will never forget the times we had. Heavenly Father, I come to You today with a heavy heart, mourning the loss of my dear friend, Steven. Thank You for the gift of his life, for the laughter we shared, and for the beautiful memories that I will always carry with me. I place him… Read more »
I know 😢 He was a special guy. I’ve talked to him so much over the years here and there really since the beginning. It’s tragic. The world lost a special man but heaven gained a new son. I’m so sorry to heather and their children. I need to make an updated post about his passing and pay tribute. I will soon!
Amen brotha. 🙏