One of the original members of the Beastie Boys has died.

John Berry had been suffering from frontal lobe dementia, his father told Rolling Stone.

The condition had become worse and he was in hospice care in Massachusetts, Fox News reported.

>> Read more trending stories  

Berry is the person who named the hip-hop band when they were teens.

He went to school with Mike Diamond, and the pair joined Adam Yauch and Kate Schellenbach to make up the Beastie Boys in July 1981. They were originally a hardcore, punk band.

Berry also performed on the band's first album "Polly Wog Stew."

He left the band after they recorded the album in 1982.

Berry was second member of the Beastie Boys to pass away. Adam Yauch died in 2012 from cancer.

Berry was 52.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC