Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder Paul O'Neill dead at 61, band says

Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder Paul O'Neill has died, the band announced Wednesday. He was 61.

"The entire Trans-Siberian Orchestra family, past and present, is heartbroken to share the devastating news that Paul O'Neill has passed away from chronic illness," the band said in a message on its website and Facebook page. "He was our friend and our leader – a truly creative spirit and an altruistic soul. This is a profound and indescribable loss for us all."

The band asked that fans respect the privacy of O'Neill's family and said it "will make additional announcements shortly."

>> See the post here

Fans flocked to social media to share stories about O'Neill.

Cox Media Group