Tickle Me Pink bassist Johnny Shou dies

Tickle Me Pink bassist Johnny Shou was found dead at his Colorado home on July 1, the same day his band’s debut album, “Madeline,” hit stores. Shou was 22; autopsy results were inconclusive, and more tests are being conducted.

The band had just finished playing several Vans Warped Tour shows and had a national tour scheduled for July 18-September 19 in support of the new album. No word yet on the status of that tour.

"A friend of the deceased had found him unconscious and the friend attempted CPR, but the male was pronounced dead at the residence," said Sgt. Jon Holsten in the Rocky Mountain News, adding, "At this point, there is no reason to suspect that foul play is involved.”

Formed in Fort Collins, CO in 2005, Tickle Me Pink built a loyal fan base by playing hundreds of live shows and independently releasing two EPs, “If Only Were Twenty One And Up” in 2005, and “Half Seas Over” in 2006. Shou was a sound engineer at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins where “Madeline” was recorded. The album explores brutal breakups, love, loss, drug use, mortality and the trappings of suburbia.

The band's surviving members are Sean Kennedy (lead vocals, guitar, bass); Stefan Runstrom (drums); and Steven Beck (guitar, vocals).