“Time’s short, this is our last resort to get through to you, what have I got to do? Who’s going to be the difference? If not us, then who?” -Riley Gale ’04
Jesuit isn’t just a place for jocks. Or for nerds. Or artists. Or metalheads. Jesuit is a place for everyone of all types, of all kinds, which is what makes it so unique. Welcoming to everyone. Jesuit welcomed Riley Gale ’04, a graduate of UNT who formed one of the most popular metal and rock bands in the nation, with open arms. Unfortunately, he passed away on August 26, 2020 at age 34.
Gale wrote his own story and forged his own path, creating the band Power Trip in 2008 right here in Dallas, TX as the lead vocalist after graduating from UNT. Records from a cousin in California gave him the inspiration to lead the way for his band. His thrash band slowly but surely climbed the performance ladder from local shows here in DFW to worldwide tours.
They joined Southern Lord Records in 2011 before releasing two studio albums, 2013’s Manifest Decimation and 2017’s Nightmare Logic. He most recently was a part of a new single with Law and Order: SVU star Ice-T called “Point the Finger” before he passed away.
Ice-T posted this on his Twitter in memory of the late singer.
Gale’s band made this announcement about the late singer. No cause of death has been identified. Funeral and visitation arrangements are still pending.
“It is with the greatest of sadness we must announce that our lead singer and brother Riley Gale passed away last night,” the band said in a statement. “Riley was a friend, a brother, a son. Riley was both a larger than life rock star and a humble and giving friend. He touched so many lives through his lyrics and through his huge heart. He treated everyone he met as a friend and he always took care of his friends. We will celebrate Riley’s life and never forget the great works of music, charity, and love that he left behind. You, the fans, meant so much to him, please know how special you are. If you have a memory of Riley please share it, no matter how small, as we remember him. – Power Trip”
Beyond his music career, he was an graduate of Jesuit, playing basketball and lacrosse, befriending junior counselors Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Lingel, and joining the Underground Music Club. 
In an interview with Michael White ’15, White noted, ” The positive impact that Riley accredits to Jesuit has been long-lasting and fruitful: ‘I absolutely credit my high school experience to where I’m at,’ he said. He claims that it has eventually brought him into a place where he’s happy, satisfied with the fruits he was able to harvest from the garden of life.”
Thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. To read more about him, please click here.
And as always, check back to The Roundup for more Jesuit news!
