Former Cradle of Filth guitarist Stuart Anstis dies at 48

Former guitarist at Cradle of Filth, Stuart Anstis, passed away on Monday at the age of 48. Stuart’s death was first announced by his wife in a Facebook post, where she wrote that his soul was too beautiful for this world. The cause of Stuart’s demise remains unknown at the moment.

Stuart Anstis stayed with Cradle of Filth during the band's early days between 1995-1999. However, following differences with the band’s frontman Dani Filth, Stuart left the band. Following the exit, he partnered with two other members to create Bastardsun, a band led by David Wayne. After Wayne passed away in 2005, Stuart joined Ninepence, his last band.

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The news of his death was also confirmed by Dani, who posted on social media that he was saddened by the news of Stuart’s passing away. Dani added that though they had artistic differences, Stuart was a highly-talented guitarist.



He further said that he and Stuart Anstis were the best of friends for a long time as both came from the small town of Suffolk. Dani also pointed out that Stuart’s artistic flair and talent were right at the top until his last day.

Richard Shaw, another former Cradle of Filth guitarist (2014-2022), also paid homage to the deceased artist in a social media post. Richard wrote that it was an honor for him to perform Stuart’s music. During his stint with the metal act, Stuart was part of three highly-successful albums – V Empire or Dark Faerytales in Phallustein (1996), Cruelty and the Beast (1998), and From Cradle to Enslave (1999).

During his relatively short stint at Cradle of Filth, Stuart was a part of arguably the best works produced by the band ever. The band's early era is considered its most influential phase when it gave wonder hits like Death Comes Ripping, Funeral in Carpathia, Once Upon Atrocity, Ebony Dressed for Sunset, et al.