Vance Bockis, a well-known figure in Washington, DC’s punk rock scene, died on September 1, 2012 at the age of 50.

Bockis was the front man of The Factory in the ’80s and ’90s, a band that drew many comparisons to the New York Dolls. He was also the bassist of 9353, who recently recorded new material. The Factory also reformed and was scheduled to head out on tour this month.

In addition to his charisma and stage presence, Bockis was known for his damaging heroin addiction, as well as his triumphant recovery.

“Vance was clean and sober for almost six-and-a-half years,” according to his wife, Linda Leisz Bockis.

Though the autopsy is pending, Bockis had rotator cuff surgery Thursday and died at his Fairfax County home Saturday, apparently of a blood clot. Bockis’s wife said he had previous blood clots, high blood pressure, and circulation problems attributable to his prior drug use.

“He tore himself up shooting dope. He’d been hard,” she said.

A public celebration of Vance Bockis’s life will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, September 13th at at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. (via WTOP)