On 24 March 1983, Christian Death released its debut album, "Only Theatre of Pain". It is considered by most critics to be the harbinger of the deathrock style of music, as well as being highly influential on the American gothic music scene. Critically lauded by music press & condemned by religious (& similar) factions, 'Only Theatre Of Pain' has remained as popular & influential through the decades so much that it has been re-released some 60 times since the original (& now rare) pressing.
In its retrospective review, Record Collector wrote, "Only Theatre of Pain's influence should not be underestimated." The A.V. Club wrote that, of the group's musical peers, "none had exemplified the nascent subgenre [gothic rock] with as much sinew, vision, and iconoclasm", calling it "a depraved masterpiece".
R.I.P. Rozz Williams, singer of Christian Death (November 6, 1963 – April 1, 1998)