Chuck Profus, legendary speed/thrash metal drummer & founding member of AGENT STEEL/OBSCENE GESTURE passed away quietly at his Los Angeles home at the young age of 61 on June 4, 2025. Rob Hill, Producer/Engineer went across the street from the studio to check in on Chuck because he was concerned that he had not heard from him, only to find out he had passed away on the floor of his living room. No cause of death has been determined as of this announcement.
Profus was inexhaustible in his fierceness while behind the kit as well as in his love of metal/punk music, family, friends and fans. His focus and intensity were contagious whether you were in a band or playing a round of golf with him. You were put on notice just being in his presence to give it your all or disappear. Playing drums from the age of 11 he was determined to be a pro drummer in life. When the neighbors complained about the noise coming from the house, he convinced his father to let him build his own rehearsal studio in the garage. His other love was woodwork. Chuck built a soundproof fortress with his own hands so he could smack his drums day or night and even have a full band at max volume without a peep disturbing the neighborhood. This skill allowed him to work while times were tough throughout his career.
Profus fulfilled his dream of being a pro when he co-founded Agent Steel with John Cyriis in 1983. Their first show was opening for Slayer on the opening date of Haunting The Chapel launch at the world-famous Country Club in Reseda. With the entire Metal music industry present the band bulldozed through a 30-minute set of classics like “Taken By Force”, “Agents of Steel”, “Bleed for the Godz” and “144,000 Gone” and everyone understood the band was the next big thing in the era of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Exodus and Anthrax. Cees Wessels (Roadrunner Records) and Barry Kobrin (COMBAT RECORDS signed the band immediately and they recorded the classics SKEPTICS APOCALYPSE, MAD LOCUST RISING, and UNSTOPPABLE FORCE. Throughout the tumultuous lineup changes of the band the one constant was Chuck Profus anchored the band from behind his drums throughout it all. He was an anti-star type drummer. Not one for interviews or the limelight. His respect for the fans was infallible whether onstage where he gave a 200 percent of himself or meeting them after show to shoot the shit with them until sunrise to make sure they went home with a smile.
That was exemplified in all its glory on the Agent Steel 2000 tour when they played Slovenia. During soundcheck Profus found out from the promoters that fans had paid six months’ salary and waited 25 years to see the band. Prior to hitting the stage, he stood up in the dressing room to announce that the band was going to play every song they ever recorded or until he passed out. The band played an electrifying set and the venue had a metaphysical energy in it. Chuck finally collapsed behind his drums after what seemed an endless set. The roadies rushed to help him. He ordered the roadies to take all 10 cases of beer and pass them out to the audience. He slowly made his way to the front of the stage lifted his beer to cheer and thank the audience turned backwards and fell into the arms of the crowd. They proceeded to crowd surf Chuck around the venue like he was a national hero. That my friends are what made CHUCK PROFUS a true metal legend. Not only his talent but his respect for the fans. After his exit from the band in 2002, Profus founded his punk metal alter ego band OBSCENE GESTURE with original AGENT STEEL bassist GEORGE ROBB. He had suffered some physical setbacks through injury, and he was just having fun again. The band recorded two albums that satisfied Chuck’s appetite of playing while he worked his way back to glory form.
“Hi everyone, I am Debbie, Chuck’s sister and I am heartbroken to announce the passing of Chuck Profus on June 4, 2025. Chuck was proud of his contributions to the music world through his drumming. He loved the brotherhood with his bandmates, and he appreciated his longtime loyal fans, making him feel like he left a legacy of his love for drumming with them. He often took the time to meet them at coffee shops to sign memorabilia or to sign a Swedish fans album by mail and send it back with extra Agent Steel swag. While he may be loved as a badass speed metal drummer to his fans, to us, his family, he is loved as a Son, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Uncle-Chuck, Cousin, Stepbrother and Friend. We will miss the many sides of his excentric, chaotic, magical, tormented, creative, and unbridled one-in-a-billion personality. For me, his little sister, I will miss his laughter, his thoughtfulness and how cool it was to have him as my big brother.” CHUCK PROFUS aka CHARLES HASKELL PROFUS is survived by his Mother, Eva Cox, Sister Debbie Henderson, Son Shane Profus-Meyer, his wife, Tasha Meyer, Granddaughters Izabella and Lillian Meyer, Niece Bree Stephens, nephews Jason and Jeremy Henderson.
Fans of Chuck and members of both bands have all reached out and paid their last tributes to Chuck… “Hi Debbie, I’m crushed to hear about Chucks passing. I’m sorry for your great loss. I’m thankful I got to meet you both even for a brief 30 minutes. To this day, I cherish the opportunity given to me and I’m forever thankful for my t-shirt souvenir. Agent Steel has always been such a meaningful band for me that represents my musical taste perfectly. I’m shocked and saddened by Chucks passing. I had such high hopes that at some point there would be an announcement of some kind of reunion show with Chuck and other members in L.A. regardless, I’ll be forever keep Chuck in my memory and think of him and celebrate his music until the day I’m gone from this planet!!! R.I.P. Chuck” Love, Jorge Garcia – Wilmington, CA John Cyriis – (Agent Steel) Vocalist and Founder The news of Chuck’s passing has left me speechless for several days from the time I learned it was official he had left us. After much reflection I can speak from my soul. Chuck was the one of the few truly human souls I’ve ever met. At the end of the day, Mr. Profus simply “didn’t give a f**k” what those of the status quo, Metal community, or what anyone for that matter had to say. And so, this is one of the qualities I loved most about Chuck Profus. Chuck’s courage and determination was unmatched, and most of all he lived his life doing everything without apology exactly the way he wanted regardless of what anyone thought or said. By the time he Pounded his first foot down on his drum pedal at the HAMMERSMITH ODEON stage—on that longest day—his timing was immaculate, and his precision fine tuned alongside—the best in his field of matching abilities. Yes, Chuck Profus had indeed triumphed over the odds of conquering the gatekeepers of the metal music citadels. The documented fact remains on the concert filmed at Hammersmith Odeon, Chuck Profus and Agent Steel…kicked their arses via that night’s Majestic performance by the Mighty AS!” I will always celebrate the life of Chuck Profus, his life of fearlessness, unexpected achievements, though not his passing ! Chuck Profus dared to tread the peripheries of fearlessness, and that, in my opinion , is what made him a true Metal God! To add a sincerest extra-snap to celebrate here what I most admired about him, was the fact Chuck Profus, “Was Not a Kiss Ass !” Mr. Charles Haskel Profus was the best friend anyone could have—and My best friend of all times and, in truth—the Greatest Metal warrior I’ve ever known, or better yet, have ever known of ! “Hail Chuck Profus, Hail his Legacy, as Chuck Profus is “True Metal Royalty!” Farewell my friend until we meet again. I believe by true will, you continue your purest journey onward as you now occupy real estate in the Stars of the higher Cosmos; and to times everlasting…verify just who we are in the above, as was hurled below to Metal Victory… The Traveler…is free at last. Juan Garcia (ex-Agent Steel / EvilDead / Body Count) Guitars “Chuck, we’ve known each other for over 40 years, one of the first times we met was at an Abattoir show where you recruited me to join Agent Steel, since then we built a special bond, and friendship through all the years. You’re drumming on the A.S. debut “Skeptics Apocalypse” is incredible! You contributed to creating timeless material, we spent countless hours in rehearsal, and recording studios, and you always found ways to achieve greatness behind that drum kit. Your foot work was one of your superpowers; your contributions are legendary. We had an amazing time at Morrisound Studios recording “Unstoppable Force” and even found the time to go to Disney World! You asked me to join you on your other musical journeys, which led to the reformation of A.S., You put your legendary stomp on “Omega Conspiracy.” What I’ll miss the most is going to football games, Iron Maiden concerts, hockey games with you, and hanging out having coffee and talking about it. I will cherish the good times and miss you dearly…. travel on my dear friend …. to the stars.
George Robb (ex-Agent Steel, Obscene Gesture) Bass/Backing vocals My heart goes out to the Profus family. I personally have been stricken with grief since hearing the news. Chuck and I have been life-long friends. We worked together in 1981 & ‘82. And in 1984 we started to play together, leading to the formation of Agent Steel. He and I were like brothers, and he will always be. Mike Zaputil (ex-Agent Steel) Bass “This week we lost our dear friend, and great drummer Chuck Profus. To say we are shocked and saddened is an understatement. We will miss him terribly, me personally I’m close to being heartbroken, understand I’ve been in bands with Chuck long before Agent Steel, since 1981. Go on and fly free brother, till we meet again. You are the true Master of Metal.” Kurt Colfelt (ex-Agent Steel / Holy Terror / Zeke / Load Levelers ) Guitars/Bass. “Very sad news, almost 40 years to the month since the release of the first Agent Steel record, Chuck was a great guy and an even better drummer, who in the days of double bass was doing it with one foot, I’m truly glad to have been in a band with him and my condolences to his family.” Bruce Hall (ex-Agent Steel) Lead Vocals “Chuck was one of the most unique and interesting people I’ve ever met. When we were around each other life felt kinda frantic, and a little bit out of control. It felt dangerous and edgy like his way of playing drums. You might have your plans changed. The authorities may be contacted. You could end up in court. You might win the lottery! I often recall a flight overseas pre 9/11 during which I was sober but Chuck and our friend, Diego, proceeded to drop uppers and downers, and drink the plane dry. Our flight attendants were charmed by Chuck and his dreadful behavior. They gave us the run of the plane. Those guys were mixing their own drinks, and we were making sandwiches in the galley. The flight attendants showed us naked pictures of themselves as well as pics of themselves in their dominatrix gear. Oh, the merriment! The flight attendants took Chuck’s backpack and filled it with lunchmeat, airline sized bottles of liquor, and water. When we got to Amsterdam our first stop before customs was the bathroom so Diego and Chuck could barf. They felt like absolute shit, and I felt fine, so I got us to our hotel. When we arrived there, Chuck was so happy for his care package but especially the water. He grabbed a pint-sized bottle and chugged it. He was half finished before he realized it was filled with vodka, and he ran to the toilet to puke. Priceless! And so typically Chuck. This story is good but it’s one of dozens I could tell. People loved Chuck. I loved Chuck. I’ll be pouring out an Agent Steel Reserve for my homie. I’m sorry he’s not around anymore.” Karlos Medina (ex-Agent Steel / EvilDead) Bass/Backing Vocals “Chuck was a special man. He was a beast of a drummer. Fastest one footer that I ever seen and played with; he had this thing about drumsticks. I believe he had an injury in his hand earlier in life which caused some nerve damage, and he just couldn’t feel his hands at times. Drumsticks would fly off his hands occasionally. On tour he needed a big pile of sticks as they would fly past our heads into the audience throughout our live set. Plus, he was a heavy hitter and wood chips would pile up around him as he aggressively cracked them on cymbals and drumheads.
There’s a musical break on the first song of The Omega Conspiracy, on the song “Destroy the Hush”. We were in the writing stages, and he dropped a stick on the beat, the guitars kept going and it sounded perfect, and it fit the song well, but it wasn’t a break. It was just Chuck Profus being Chuck Profus. We kept that break when we recorded the song. I love that break. Every time I hear that song now, that break comes up and I always remember Chuck and I pretend to duck as when the drumstick would fly past my head. Love ya Chuck. It was an honor to write, and tour with you. May your spirit fly high and forever.”