Dave Williams
- Dan Mitchell
- Feb 7, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated: May 4
Dave Williams was born on February 29th, 1972, in Princeton, Texas.
His first band was a group called Fugly, whose sound leaned more toward grunge and hard rock than the style he would later become known for. (If you can find their tracks, they’re worth a listen to hear Dave’s early voice taking shape.)
In 1999, after Fugly, Dave joined a previously instrumental three‑piece band called Drowning Pool. That same year they released a self‑titled album, followed by the EP Pieces of Nothing in 2000. Many of the songs from these early releases would later be re‑recorded as the band refined their sound.
After signing with Wind‑Up Records in 2000, Drowning Pool released their breakthrough album Sinner in 2001. The record was a massive success. Singles like “Bodies,” “Tear Away,” and “Sinner” showcased Dave’s powerful voice — one of the most distinctive of the nu‑metal era. Dimebag Darrell famously nicknamed him “The Stage” because of his commanding presence during live shows.
Drowning Pool toured relentlessly, with Ozzfest playing a major role in expanding their fanbase and cementing their place in the early‑2000s metal scene.
On August 14th, 2002, Dave was found on the band’s tour bus. It was later determined that he had died from heart failure caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease he had never been diagnosed with.
In the aftermath, Drowning Pool released the DVD Sinema — a play on the title of their album Sinner. Proceeds went toward building a house for Dave’s parents, fulfilling a dream he had spoken about often.
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