Fred Cole (August 28, 1948 – November 9, 2017) was an American rock singer, guitarist and songwriter whose career spanned more than five decades. He came to prominence with several groups beginning in the 1960s and remained active into the 21st century. Cole is remembered for a raw vocal delivery, straightforward songcraft and a do‑it‑yourself approach to recording and releasing music.

Career and principal bands

Cole performed with numerous bands over the years. In the late 1960s he was associated with a psychedelic‑tinged, garage rock scene and recorded with outfits that later achieved cult interest. He later fronted The Lollipop Shoppe, a group that produced music rooted in garage and psychedelic rock. Decades later he formed Dead Moon with his wife, Toody Cole, and drummer Andrew Loomis; that band became his best‑known project, blending punk energy with classic rock and garage sensibilities. In the 2000s he continued to record and tour with Pierced Arrows, again collaborating closely with Toody.

Musical style and approach

Cole's music emphasized immediacy: simple, often three‑chord rock songs, gritty guitar tones and a weathered vocal style that conveyed urgency and authenticity over polish. He championed independence in production and distribution, favoring small‑run records and an artisanal aesthetic that prized raw performance and direct connection with listeners.

DIY ethic and releases

Throughout his career Cole and his collaborators released material on independent labels and self‑run imprints. This independence helped foster a devoted underground following, particularly among fans of garage rock and punk. His records circulated widely in club scenes and among collectors, and his bands maintained a reputation for spirited live shows.

Legacy and death

Cole's influence is visible in later generations of garage and punk musicians who prize authenticity over commercial sheen. He continued to perform and record into later life. Cole died of liver disease; notices of his passing appeared in music press and local outlets on November 9, 2017. See the official announcement here. He died at his home in Clackamas, Oregon; local coverage referenced his longtime presence in the Pacific Northwest music community Clackamas, Oregon.

  • Notable bands: The Lollipop Shoppe, Dead Moon, Pierced Arrows.
  • Key traits: garage rock roots, punk energy, DIY production.
  • Collaborators: longtime musical partner and spouse Toody Cole.

Fred Cole is often cited by fans and critics as an exemplar of sustained independent artistry: a musician who maintained creative control, recorded on his own terms and built a lasting rapport with a grassroots audience.