Kool & The Gang's Michael Sumler died over the weekend in a car crash in Georgia’s Cobb County. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, he collided with another vehicle on Veterans Memorial Highway. He was 71 years old.
Sumler was best known with Kool & The Gang for bringing an infectiously high energy to live shows, according to Billboard. With the group, he was known by the nickname, "Chicago Mike."
The group reflected on Sumler's passing in a statement on Facebook, Wednesday. They wrote: "We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler. Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2000-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also hyped the crowd with his energy and dance moves at the top of the show. Most recently, Mike helped Kool with LeKool champagne events. Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace."
Fans joined in with supportive messages in the comments. "So sorry for your loss. He sure did keep you guys looking sharp. Love your work. Forever such talent is hard to come by. Carry on," one user wrote. Another added: "Such a shock. Mike was such a sweet man. So kind. All my deepest condolences to the Kool family and Mike's loved ones."
Mableton’s Mayor, Michael Owens, released a statement addressing Sumler's passing. “We are saddened by the death of musician Michael Sumler,” he wrote. “‘Chicago Mike’ contributed so much to the music and entertainment communities. His style and energy added flare and excitement to Kool and the Gang for decades. The city of Mableton, council members and I join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss.”
Additionally, Adrian Meeks of Song Source Music Group told Fox 5: “He always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he’d been around most of all of his life. He was the bridge, you know, for inspiring artists and songwriters and producers and musicians to the legends.”
Kool & The Gang previously lost drummer George Brown to cancer in 2023. Before that, sax player Dennis Thomas died in 2021 at the age of 70.
NEWS
Shirley Manson is set to take over curating duties for the Teenage Cancer Trust 2027 concert series, stepping into the role for next year’s Royal Albert Hall shows after Robert Smith led the 2026 edition.
The charity shared the update on Tuesday 28 April 2026, introducing the Garbage frontwoman as just the second guest curator the event has ever had.
To celebrate the reveal, Teenage Cancer Trust also dropped a video capturing Garbage’s standout performance of Lovesong by The Cure, taken from their set at this year’s shows.
Manson is following a legacy shaped by Roger Daltrey, who created and oversaw the week long fundraising concerts from 2000 through 2025, and Smith, who curated the 2026 line up.
Smith’s run featured performances from Wolf Alice, Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai and Garbage, along with a sold out comedy night, helping generate £1.4 million so far in support of young people facing cancer across the UK.
Speaking about the opportunity, Manson said: “To follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Roger Daltrey and most beloved Robert Smith by being invited to curate next year’s run of shows is one of the greatest honours that has ever been bestowed upon me.
"I consider it an immense privilege to continue helping raise funds and awareness for our all too often forgotten teenagers in the UK who are living with cancer and the struggle that this entails.
"I hope to curate a fine week of entertainment, calling upon some of my favourite artists to join the cause.
"I am so looking forward to seeing it all come together at the Royal Albert Hall next year and I hope to see you there.”
Smith also spoke highly of Manson while reflecting on the success of this year’s concerts, saying: “Having played a few Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall shows with The Cure, it was a real honour to curate the series in 2026, bringing together so many of my favourite artists to perform for such a great cause.
"The response and support from the audience, in the hall itself and all around the world, was really incredible.
"Garbage were one of the highlights of a stellar week, and I am very sure Shirley, with her great energy, commitment and values, will do a fantastic job in 2027.”
Daltrey also reacted to the announcement, saying: “To have a female musician with a great reputation for quality work is something that's been at the top of my wishlist going forward.
"I will always be there for her if she needs any help with anything.”
The 2027 Teenage Cancer Trust concerts are scheduled to take place from March 15 through 21 at the Royal Albert Hall, with the full line up expected to be announced soon.
