If you’re a metal head any age, I can only hope that you’ve seen the Decline of the Western Civilization II: The Metal Years. Those that did, we will never forget drunk ass Chris Holmes getting wrecked in a pool while his mom looked on. We’ll never forget the embarrassing ridiculousness of London as we as ODIN and vocalist Randy O saying that they were gonna be bigger than Led Zeppelin. But most of all, we should never forget the powerful impact of the Seduce from Detroit.
Along with Lizzy BOrden, Seduce came off as a group of intelligent, level headed people who just loved to make music. While the other bands were talking about how many girls they were fucking, Seduce was talking about their dreams and showing their hard work to try and break into the music industry. Their song “Colleen” is one of the most recognizable songs in the movie and that opening riff and groove will forever be implanted in my mind.
In the film, guitarist David Black came across as shy, intelligent, and rational. While having big dreams for his band, Black also stated in the movie, “I might have long hair, but I’m a businessman” as he talked of stocks, bonds, and investments. How true this was, I have no clue but if anything, the fact that he even had those ideas floating around in his head shows the level of intelligence and reality that wouldn’t let him down or even kill him like so many others.
Formed in 1980, Seduce began picking up a strong following and by the time their debut album was released in 1985, Seduce was one of the biggest names in Detroit. After being part of the legendary documentary Decline of the Western Civilation: The Metal Years, Seduce’s second album, “Too Much Ain’t Enough” in 1988 picked up a lot of attention from metal fans all over and even went on to sell an impressive 25,000 copies. Seduce played tirelessly whether touring or performing locally but unfortunately, the band would part ways in 1991.
In 2002, Seduce played a series of reunion shows that sold out immediately Since then, Seduce would get together from time to time to reunite and bring back the magic of the music of Seduce to fans young and old. The core trio has periodically reformed for one-off shows ever since — 1980–1991, then 2002–2005, 2008, 2011, and 2016 to the present. In recent years they’ve also seen their catalog get renewed attention, including vinyl reissues of their first two albums via Prudential Records.
On June 28th, 2026, guitarist/founding Member David Black lost his battle with cancer. WHen I heard this, I was saddened by the news. I am a big fan of Seduce having both of their albums and trust me when I say they spend a lot of time on my turntable. The other thing that really saddened me was the lack of news regarding his passing within the metal community. This is why I took it upon myself to at least write about it myself.
Seduce announced his passing via their official Facebook page:
From the Seduce Facebook page:
It is nearly impossible to put into words what David Black meant to me. We didn’t just share stages, guitar amps, and long nights on the road—we shared a life. To the city of Detroit, they’ve lost a guitar legend. To me, I’ve lost my brother.
David was a man of few words, and that’s exactly how he liked it. He lived his life with a quiet integrity that is rare in this world. He never sought the spotlight for himself; he just wanted to play the music, and he wanted to play it right. To anyone who met him—whether you were a lifelong fan or someone he passed on the street—you know exactly what I mean when I say he was just a genuinely kind soul. He treated everyone with respect and grace, right up until the very end.
He was as private as they come. When he faced his health struggles, he chose to walk that path with the same dignity and strength he brought to everything else in is life. He didn’t want the pity. He just wanted to keep moving forward.
David leaves no family behind, but he leaves a piece of his soul in every record we made and every note he played. He belonged to all of us who loved his music, and he belongs to the history of this city.
I’ll miss the sound of his guitar, our conversations, and the simple comfort of having my brother beside me.
Rest easy, David. I’ll keep the music playing for both of us.
In the Metal Years movie, director Penelope Spheeris asked David who the biggest band in Detroit was. Without any hesitation, David smirked and said, “Us.”
Rest heavy, David Black. May generations of metal fans continue to learn and embrace the music of Seduce.
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