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Remembering

CASSIE JALILIE

April 27th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez

Cassandra Nicole Jalilie, who we all knew as just “Cassie,” passed away Saturday evening, April 25th at 5:07 p.m., per her father, Peter Jalilie. He revealed that Cassie left this earth, “as she held the hand of her twin sister Candace, her best friend and family present, her cherished dog Chevy at her side.”

Cassie was best known as the drummer for Arizona’s punk trio, Venomous Pinks, but she was so much more than that. Through the past few days her father has tried to tell just a piece of her life story, memorializing her with pictures throughout her life.

Photo by Ben Trivett

Born in San Francisco, Jalilie first crossed paths with the Venomous Pinks in 2018 when they were playing a short tour with her band, Glam Skanks, Go Betty Go, and Bad Cop/Bad Cop. Just a year later the Pinks would change lineups and in March of 2019, Jalilie was announced as their new drummer. Her first official show with the band came in their hometown of Tempe at the Yucca Tap Room in May, and it was clear she was the missing piece that was needed. Jalilie is survived not only by her twin sister, but the sisterhood she formed with guitarist/vocalist Drea Doll and bassist/vocalist Gaby Kaos.

Jalilie once listed Travis Barker as her biggest influence and his style was apparent when you watched her play. Someone technically precise while playing at breakneck speed with reckless abandon and passion, giving every ounce of energy with very song. With this finalized lineup, the Venomous Pinks would head into the studio releasing their first full length album, “Vita Mors.”

After several EPs that put the Pinks on the map as one of the Arizona’s premiere punk bands, I think “Vita Mors” really shows their maturity and growth, as well as the chemistry that the three members exuberated. Showing complexity not just in music, but in lyric and theme, such as the emotionally powerful, “Hold On.”

Like any great punk band, the Pinks never shied away from expressing their political beliefs and dissatisfaction with the government (see “Todos Unidos”). Jalilie was no different. In the past year bands like Green Day and The Used have used their platform to speak out in support of Palestine. However, back in early 2024, when it was far less common Jalilie was one of the first I can recall to publicly take this stand.

I saw the Venomous Pinks play the Observatory in Santa Ana in January 2024 and Jalilie had taped a sign on her kick drum with the words “CEASEFIRE NOW!” A proud Palestinian herself, she told the crowd, “This is dedicated to the people in Palestine. Stop the genocide.”

In February of 2025, Jalilie had to miss a show, a rarity for her, as she checked into what would become a six-day hospital stay. Originally complaining of abdominal and backpains, she posted on Instagram that tests concluded that “my kidneys were functioning at a level consistent with stage 4/5 kidney disease.” She and doctors were stumped as there was no history of kidney disease in her family and no prior signs.

This would eventually lead to dialysis treatments three times a week, as she struggled to still practice and tour with the Pinks. What doctors did not realize at the time was that the kidney damage was due to undiagnosed stage three cervical cancer. When she was finally diagnosed in April of that year, Jalilie posted a six-minute video trying to raise awareness for women and stressing the importance of regular pap smears.

She stated part of the reason this went undiagnosed for so long is because she was a touring musician and did not have insurance. To help others in similar situations she mentioned that organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, offer free or low-cost pap smears that help lead to early detection. I can’t imagine how terrifying this news was, but as was her nature, she made it her mission to educate others and try to save lives, providing them opportunities she was not afforded.

Jalilie faced cancer with the same strength and courage as she tackled everything in her life. She continued to raise awareness, posting videos after her chemo sessions and detailing her ongoing battle. This past October she debuted her new bald look, simultaneously posting a video of her shaving her head in anticipation of the upcoming hair loss.

Two months ago Jalilie went through her toughest bout of chemo, leaving her unable to leave her bed for 10 days. Doll and Kaos came through setting up an Amazon Wishlist with groceries and gift cards, not just for Cassie but her dog, Chevy and cat, Remo. After just a few hours fans flooded the Wishlist checking off every last item. Jalilie posted the results, her living room absolutely inundated with care packages.

Photo by Angelea RoseRed

Despite a superhuman strength and a fight with every last ounce, Cassie passed away Saturday at age 36. As her father Peter wrote, “She now belongs to the eternity she was born into.” A loving aunt to twin sisters, she was passionate about surfing and the water. Along with her bandmates she helped speak out against injustice here and abroad. Tributes from family, friends, fans, and bands like Authority Zero and Bad Cop/Bad Cop have come pouring in through social media.

As you can imagine the medical bills, as well as not being able to work or tour, had taken a toll on Jalilie before her passing. As such, the Venomous Pinks have asked fans to help by pre-ordering a specially designed shirt featuring Jalilie behind her kit, drumstick in air. All proceeds will go to her family.

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