Phil played drums with White Zombie from 1992 to 1994. He toured with Rob Zombie's group on their La Sexorcisto trek and recorded three songs with the industrial band, including I Am Hell for the Beavis and Butthead movie soundtrack and a cover of Black Sabbath's Children of the Grave.

Watch some video footage from Last Crack's 2009 20th-anniversary reunion show with Phil Buerstatte on drums here:

Former Last Crack band mate Paul Schluter has released the following statement on Phil's death:

"We are sorry to have to announce that Last Crack drummer and our musical brother Phil Buerstatte has passed away today. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, family and fellow band members. (...) It is the end of an era for us and sad to say the original lineup will never be able to play together again."

The remaining members of Last Crack are discussing doing a tribute show in Phil's honor in the coming months.

Three months ago, the original lineup of Last Crack - including Phil Buerstatte - was confirmed to open the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs) on June 23, 2013 at The Overture Center in Madison.