Canadian punk music has lost one of its icons Wednesday, when Teenage Head lead singer Frank "Venom" Kerr succumbed to cancer. Frankie lost his battle to throat cancer after spending Thanksgiving weekend with his family.

The Scottish born Kerr, 51, was the lead singer of the Hamilton, Ontario based band which formed at Westdale High School back in 1975.

Teenage Head released its first independent single in 1978 and released its legendary self-titled debut the following year. The group is perhaps best known for the song "Let's Shake" which appeared on its "Frantic City" release.

The band made national headlines for a June, 1980 concert at Toronto's Ontario Place Forum when thousands of fans were denied access to the gig. It resulted in what's known as the Riot at Ontario Place, (and they say Canadains don't get upset about anything!) which led to the cancellation of all rock shows at the lakeside venue. There were several arrests and injuries, but the attention made "Frantic City" reach gold status.

The band, which have often been seen as Canada's equivalent to the Ramones, returned earlier in 2008 with "Teenage Head With Marky Ramone," a special album released through Hamilton label Sonic Unyon and featuring the band's biggest hits performed with the former Ramones drummer. The album was widely praised by critics and fans alike.

The death coincides with an announcement Wednesday that Teenage Head would receive a special lifetime achievement award during the 2008 Hamilton Music Awards taking place Nov. 13-16.

R.I.P. Frankie
(Source: The Niagra Falls Review)