On the day he turned 47, Scott Sorry, the former bassist for The Wildhearts, passed away after battling brain cancer. The rock world mourns the loss of a musician whose real name was Gerard Engelter. Scott was a key figure in the UK rock band for half a decade and was also renowned for stepping into Nikki Sixx’s shoes in Brides Of Destruction.

His family took to Instagram to convey the heart-wrenching news, honoring Scott as an “incredibly brave” individual who defied the odds and surpassed medical expectations. Diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2018, Scott’s resilience shone through as he continued to connect with fans, even gracing the UK with a tour as recently as 2022.

The family’s heartfelt message read, “We’re heartbroken to share that Scott Sorry has passed away after a long and incredibly brave fight with brain cancer.” His legacy as both a talented musician and a courageous fighter remains etched in the hearts of many.

Scott was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2018 and last toured the UK in 2022.

The post read: ‘We’re heartbroken to share that Scott Sorry has passed away after a long and incredibly brave fight with brain cancer. 

‘Scott passed away on his 47th birthday, October 30th, 2025.’

Former The Wildhearts bassist Scott Sorry tragically passed away on his 47th birthday on Thursday after a brain cancer diagnosis (pictured in  2014 in Manchester)

The musician, whose real name was Gerard Engelter, played with the UK rock band for five years and is also known for replacing Nikki Sixx in Brides Of Destruction

It continued: ‘After being diagnosed with Glioblastoma back in 2018, Scott refused to let it define him. 

‘He outlived every Doctors expectation, turning months into years, and even made it back to the UK in 2022 for a tour — something that meant the world to him. 

‘He was so grateful to be able to play again, to see so many familiar faces and to personally thank so many of you that had supported him through it all.

‘We’re devastated beyond words, but there’s comfort in knowing he’s finally free from pain. His strength, humour, and heart will stay with us forever.

‘Scott is survived by his wife Hanni and his three children River, Ryder and Rörik.

‘Gerard ‘Scott Sorry’ Engelter. Onwards and Upwards 1978–2025.’

Scott last shared a health update to Instagram in July, in which he announced doctors discovered a new tumour in January 2024 and another behind his eye which was inoperable. 

The post read: ‘As many of you will know, Scott has faced some serious health challenges since 2018 when he was first diagnosed with a Glioblastoma stage 4 brain tumour.’

Sharing the sad news to Instagram, his family paid tribute to the ‘incredibly brave’ musician who ‘outlived doctors’ expectations’ 

The post read: ‘We’re heartbroken to share that Scott Sorry has passed away after a long and incredibly brave fight with brain cancer’

L-R CJ, Ginger, Scott, and Ritch Battersby of The Wildhearts pictured at the 2009 Kerrang! Awards

It continued: ‘Like the stubborn man he is, Scott made an incredible recovery. Making an unexpected return to the stage in 2022, when he toured the UK tour his former Wildhearts bandmates Ritch Battersby and CJ Wildheart.

‘Unfortunately in the last 18 months Scott has been facing some of his toughest battles yet. After discovering a new tumour in January 2024, Scott once again underwent Surgery in March 2024, followed by radiation in April and then 6 months of Chemotherapy. 

‘In November he got a “clean no change, no growth scan” but in December it all changed when they found a new tumour – this time behind his eye, making it inoperable.

‘This has caused a whole new batch of symptoms that Scott is having to fight. He has now lost the use of his right arm and right leg. 

‘He’s also suffering from Aphasia – which has made speaking very difficult (although can still curse like a mother f****!). Scott’s never been one to be defeated and he continues to fight on.

‘We got some of Scotts friends together to help him make this video to launch the preorder campaign for his brand new live album, the 10th Anniversary of the When we Were Kings album (also being released on vinyl for the first time) as well as a special FREE Sorry Audio CD for anyone who gets involved in advance.’ 

He first rose to fame as part of Los Angeles based punk band Amen in 2003, who he performed with for two years. 

Scott then went on to play in rock group Brides of Destruction after founder and Mötley Crüe member Nikki Sixx left in 2005.

He stayed in the band until he joined a new lineup of The Wildhearts in 2006 with Brides of Destruction bandmate Ginger. 

After meeting Lenny Thomas andRoger Segal while touring, they went on to form Sorry and the Sinatras, who toured from 2007 until 2013. 

Scott performed solo from 2015 until his death.