In a somber announcement on Monday (January 10), former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo shared the news of the passing of his beloved mother, Nicelia Irene Lombardo. The matriarch of the Lombardo family bid farewell on December 26, 2021, at the age of 89.
Dave Lombardo, known for his thunderous drumming with iconic bands such as Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Misfits, and others, took to social media to express his grief and pay tribute to his mother. In a heartfelt post, Lombardo wrote, “On Dec. 26th, 2021, my amazing mom, Nicelia Irene Lombardo passed away. She was 89 years old. Her last days were met with much pain and exhaustion. She was a strong and brave woman, not just in the end, but throughout her journey. She was my first fan. Supportive from the very first note. From spoons, pots and pans, to arenas. My favorite producer. Always encouraging my musical endeavors. We will all miss her positive spirit, jokes, and daily phone calls. We love you dearly, Mima. Rest Peacefully.”
Nicelia Irene Lombardo played a pivotal role in Dave Lombardo’s life and musical journey. Born in Havana, Cuba, Dave and his parents emigrated to Southern California when he was just a toddler. Despite the geographical distance, the bond between mother and son remained strong, evident in Nicelia’s unwavering support for Dave’s musical pursuits.
In a poignant return to his roots, Dave Lombardo had the opportunity to perform in Cuba with Suicidal Tendencies in 2018, a moment he described as “magical.” Recounting the experience, Lombardo shared, “I went [there first] in January [2018], and I took my mom. She was all stiff when we first got there, but after a week in Cuba and walking, she was, like, ‘Oh, okay. Let’s go. I can walk myself. Let’s go here, let’s go there.’”
Reflecting on his Cuban heritage, Lombardo acknowledged the influence of his upbringing on his musical sensibilities. He recalled the vibrant atmosphere of the Latino social clubs, where his parents would frequent, and how those experiences shaped his early connection to music.
In a 2012 interview, Lombardo reminisced, saying, “Living in a Cuban household, my parents would go to these Latino social clubs when I was a kid. I remember being there and seeing the men playing dominoes, drinking coffee and talking about the old country. It was a really family-oriented kind of thing.”
Nicelia Irene Lombardo’s influence went beyond familial ties; she played an unwitting role in nurturing Dave’s early fascination with music. Despite her encouragement for him to join the dance floor at social club gatherings, Dave found himself captivated by the live bands and musicians performing at these events, setting the stage for his future as a legendary drummer.
Dave Lombardo’s multifaceted career spans various influential bands, and while he may be known for his thunderous beats on stage, the tender post about his mother reveals a different side—a son cherishing the unwavering support, love, and encouragement of his first fan.
As the metal community mourns the loss of Nicelia Irene Lombardo, her legacy lives on not only in the memories of her family but also in the indomitable spirit that shaped the extraordinary musical journey of her son, Dave Lombardo. May she rest in peace.