Hardy Fox, one of the founding members of art-rock group The Residents, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 73. The band confirmed Fox’s passing with a statement released on social media late Tuesday night.

“It is with great sorrow and regrets that The Cryptic Corporation announces the passing of longtime friend and associate, Hardy Fox,” the statement reads. “As president of the corporation from 1982-2016, the company benefitted from Hardy’s instinct for leadership and direction, but his true value came from his longtime association with The Residents.

Since their emergence in the early ’70s and debut album—1974’s Meet the Residents—The Residents gained fame while the band’s individual members remained largely anonymous, frequently opting to don eyeball helmets with top hats during their performances and public appearances. Last year, Fox confirmed that he was was of the group’s co-founders and songwriters.

“As the group’s producer, engineer, as well as a co-creator and collaborator on much of their material, Fox’s influence on The Residents was indelible; despite any formal training, his musicality was nevertheless unique, highly refined and prolific,” the band’s statement continues. “Blessed with a vital sense of aesthetics, a keen ear, and an exquisite love of the absurd, Hardy’s smiling face was a constant source of joy to those around him. He was loved immeasurably and will be missed dearly.”

As Rolling Stone notes, Fox posted his own statement on his failing health last month, writing, “Hi from, me, Hardy. Yes got sick, making my pass out of this world, but it is ‘all’ okay. I have something in my brain that will last to a brief end. I am 73 as you might know. Brains go down. But maybe here is my brain functioning as I’m almost a dead person just a bit of go yet. Doctors have put me on drugs, LOL, for right now. Anyway. Probably the last of seeing me. Thanks for checking in. Love you all.”