Remembering Danny Noble

On a regular day in New Jersey when regular things were happening, tragedy struck the localized metal community. A day where work, doctor’s appointments, traffic jams, and band practice were commonplace, irregular news suddenly brought Joe Moore’s phone to life at just after 9pm.

“Danny’s gone,” the text message read.

Words no one wants to read, especially not those close to Danny Noble, lead singer of thrash metal band DTA.

To those who knew him personally, Danny was much more than just a vox that rocked. He was a father, a friend; he was an all-around fun-loving guy with a great sense of humor and a passion for music and all that it stood for. His bandmates fondly recall goofing on his lyrics and busting his balls constantly.

As I talk to Joe Moore on the phone, drummer of DTA and long-time friend of Noble’s, his voice is full of positivity and life, as usual, but beneath the upbeat sing-song of Joe’s words hides a sadness that I pick up on immediately. It’s a familiar sadness, one you can recognize in others who have experienced loss yet keep a firm grip on the stuff that really matters: keeping the good memories front and center.

“Danny and DTA were heart and soul together,” Joe tells me, “when we reformed in 2018 and began practicing again, it was as if he’d never left the band. It was like putting on an old pair of jeans that still fit as good as the first day you bought them.”

When Danny Noble was first introduced to the rest of the band by guitarist Randy Rodriguez in 1999, everyone clicked immediately and DTA hit the scene hard, opening for the likes of Powerman 5000, Overkill, and Unearth. Labelled the premiere thrash band in NJ by The Aquarian, things were taking off for the guys during a time when grunge was resurfacing and nu metal was growing ever popular. DTA flew the flag for thrash when not many others on the local scene were trying to keep it on the map.

Before joining DTA, Noble sang for a few other metal bands, including Last Call. With a voice sometimes compared to Paul Baloff of Exodus, Noble had both a high, ear piercing scream and a low, guttural growl to show off to listeners.

“He wasn’t a celebrity, but if you were a part of this community, if you were a DTA fan, then you knew who Danny was,” Joe says, his voice growing in intensity as memories of his good friend and bandmate run through his mind. “One fan of DTA even has the band’s name tattooed on his arm!”

In 2008, unfortunately, the band had a falling out with Noble and he left DTA. The guys had no choice but to fill his spot and move on without him as he sorted out matters in his personal life. But such is life, isn’t it? I dare you to present to me an individual who never had to walk away from something they cared about to better themselves.

“Danny and DTA were heart and soul together”

Regardless of the time that passed, bonds made along the path of creating something so significant as music are often forged anew. This was the case after ten years when Noble rejoined DTA.

As Moore says, “when you’re in a band with someone, you’re not just friends, you’re not just family, you share a piece of your soul with one another.”

Though Danny Noble’s death was sudden and unexpected, he’s remembered admiringly by friends and family. His music will be around for as long as someone is willing to listen, and his memory will live on in the words of others for as long as they’re willing to keep talking up his spirit.

“Danny said he wanted to pet a dolphin once,” Moore says, laughing. “So maybe he’s swimming with some somewhere.”

You never know when your ticket is up, but when it’s punched, it’s punched. Death is non-negotiable, but how we remember one another afterwards is. From one artist to another, Danny Noble, you have left your mark where it mattered, something we all hope to do before it’s time to clock out for good.

Stevie Kopas, HMS

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