Paul J. White photo By Steve Newton Sad news for rock fans today. The music world is reeling right now at reports that drummer Ted McKenna--best known for his work with the likes of Rory Gallagher, the Michael Schenker Group, and the Sensational Alex Harvey Band--has died from complications following elective surgery. The news is … Continue reading Rory Gallagher’s former drummer Ted McKenna dead at 68
Category: obituaries
That time Motörhead’s “Fast” Eddie Clarke told me he just wanted to be a member of a really hot band
By Steve Newton The heavy-metal world is still in mourning after yesterday's news that former Motörhead and Fastway guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke has passed away from pneumonia at the age of 67. Clarke was part of the "classic" Motörhead lineup, with also included singer-bassist Lemmy Kilmister and drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor--both of whom died in … Continue reading That time Motörhead’s “Fast” Eddie Clarke told me he just wanted to be a member of a really hot band
Rock producer Chris Tsangarides, known for his work with Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and the Tragically Hip, dead at 61
By Steve Newton Sad news to report today. Chris Tsangarides--who produced such albums as Thin Lizzy's Thunder and Lightning, Gary Moore's Back on the Streets, and the Tragically Hip's Fully Completely--died of heart failure today after battling pneumonia. He was only 61. Tsangarides, who specialized in hard rock, had also worked on albums by Black … Continue reading Rock producer Chris Tsangarides, known for his work with Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and the Tragically Hip, dead at 61
Rock and roll died today: Chuck Berry passes away at age 90
By Steve Newton The man often looked to as the originator of rock 'n' roll, Chuck Berry, died today at the age of 90. The singer-songwriter and guitar legend--best known for deathless rock numbers like “Johnny B. Goode”, "Maybelline", "Roll Over Beethoven", "Memphis", and "Nadine"--died this afternoon, St. Charles County Police Department confirmed. The cause of … Continue reading Rock and roll died today: Chuck Berry passes away at age 90
Loved me some Leon
By Steve Newton Just when it seems like 2016 couldn't get much worse--what with the recent death of Leonard Cohen and the election of Donald Trump--here comes some more sad news. Music legend Leon Russell, best known for writing and/or recording songs like "Delta Lady", "This Masquerade", and "Tight Rope"--and for performing with virtually everybody--passed … Continue reading Loved me some Leon
Blues-rock guitar great Lonnie Mack, idol of Stevie Ray Vaughan, dies at 74
By Steve Newton The music world is still in heavy mourning, trying to come to grips with the shocking news of Prince's death today. But the pop legend from Minneapolis wasn't the only gifted artist to pass away on April 21, 2016. Alligator Records sent out a press release tonight relaying the sad news that guitar … Continue reading Blues-rock guitar great Lonnie Mack, idol of Stevie Ray Vaughan, dies at 74
Prog-rock legend Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer dies at 71
By Steve Newton It's a very sad day for fans of progressive rock. Keith Emerson, founding member and keyboardist for British trio Emerson, Lake & Palmer, died last night at his home in Santa Monica at the age of 71. According to the Santa Monica police, Emerson suffered a self-inficted gunshot wound to the … Continue reading Prog-rock legend Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer dies at 71
Eagles singer-guitarist Glenn Frey dies at 67
By Steve Newton It's been a rough few weeks for music fans with the deaths of Lemmy Kilmister and David Bowie, and things aren't getting any better. Legendary country-rock band the Eagles released a statement today announcing the death of founding member Glenn Frey. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the … Continue reading Eagles singer-guitarist Glenn Frey dies at 67
Mott the Hoople drummer Dale “Buffin” Griffin dies from Alzheimers at 67
By Steve Newton The drummer from one of my fave bands of the '70s has passed away. Dale "Buffin" Griffin, a founding member of Mott the Hoople, died peacefully in his sleep last night. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2009. Griffin played on all the Mott the Hoople albums, including 1972's breakthrough All the … Continue reading Mott the Hoople drummer Dale “Buffin” Griffin dies from Alzheimers at 67
Remembering David Bowie in the seventies
By Steve Newton Talk about a shocker. Got up at the usual 7 this morning, realized there was no instant coffee--and no wife awake to make me a latte--so went straight to the cell phone. Saw a tweet about a new concert announcement that needed blogging, so headed over to the computer, clicked on … Continue reading Remembering David Bowie in the seventies
Metal world mourns death of Motörhead mainman Lemmy Kilmister
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT. COM, DEC. 28, 2015 By Steve Newton The heavy-metal world is in mourning tonight as one of its most beloved figures has passed away. Lemmy Kilmister, singer-bassist and principal songwriter for legendary metal act Motörhead, died at his home in L.A. today, just days after being diagnosed with an extremely aggressive … Continue reading Metal world mourns death of Motörhead mainman Lemmy Kilmister
Bass-guitar legend Chris Squire of Yes dead at 67
By Steve Newton Sad news for music fans today. Chris Squire, bassist for British prog-rock legends Yes, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, last night. He had been suffering from a rare form of leukemia. He was 67. Squire had formed Yes with singer Jon Anderson in 1968, and it didn't take long for the band … Continue reading Bass-guitar legend Chris Squire of Yes dead at 67
R.I.P. B.B. King: the nicest bluesman I ever met
By Steve Newton As you've most likely heard by now, B.B. King, the beloved "King of the Blues", passed away last night at the age of 89. He was receiving hospice care at his home in Las Vegas, where the longtime diabetic was recovering from dehydration. You can read all about the great man's numerous … Continue reading R.I.P. B.B. King: the nicest bluesman I ever met
Former Elf and Rainbow bassist Craig Gruber dies of prostate cancer at 63
Rainbow 1975, L-R: Soule, Dio, Gruber, Blackmore, Driscoll By Steve Newton Craig Gruber, former bassist for '70s rock acts Elf and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, passed away yesterday after a battle with prostate cancer. News of Gruber's passing was posted on the Facebook page of his former Elf bandmate, keyboardist Mickey Lee Soule: Very sad to hear of … Continue reading Former Elf and Rainbow bassist Craig Gruber dies of prostate cancer at 63
Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Bob Burns dies in car crash at 64
By Steve Newton Sad news for Southern-rock fans--and Lynyrd Skynyrd freaks, in particular. Original Skynyrd drummer Bob Burns--who played drums on the band's first two albums--died last night after a single-car accident near Catersville, Georgia, when his car went off the road and hit a tree. Hardcore fans of the tragedy-prone band know too well that … Continue reading Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Bob Burns dies in car crash at 64
Sax great Bobby Keys was much more than a sideman for the Stones
Bobby Keys passed away this morning at the age of 70 after battling cirrhosis. He was best known as the saxophonist for the Rolling Stones, having blasted out that unforgettable solo on "Brown Sugar". He also blew like crazy on such Stones gems as "Happy" (from Exile on Main Street) and "Live With Me" (from Let It … Continue reading Sax great Bobby Keys was much more than a sideman for the Stones
Remembering the Commodore’s Drew Burns: Best. Promoter. Ever.
By now most everyone who follows the Vancouver music scene has heard the sad news about the passing of local concert-biz legend Drew Burns. The longtime proprietor of the Commodore Ballroom died on Saturday, leaving scores of friends and fans feeling down--until memories of him got them up again. The last time I saw Drew was backstage … Continue reading Remembering the Commodore’s Drew Burns: Best. Promoter. Ever.
Marilyn Burns, star of the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre, dies at 65
Some sad news out of Texas today. Marilyn Burns--star of the groundbreaking fright flick Texas Chain Saw Massacre--died yesterday in her Houston home of undisclosed causes. She was 65. Burns will always be remembered by horror fans for her portrayal of the sole survivor of Leatherface's gruesome rampage in Tobe Hooper's classic 1974 film, which … Continue reading Marilyn Burns, star of the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre, dies at 65
R.I.P. Johnny Winter, one of the world’s all-time greatest guitarists, dead at 70
Just heard in a tweet from Nanaimo blues-rocker David Gogo that blues legend Johnny Winter has died. The awful news was first broken a few hours ago by Jenda Derringer, the wife of former Winter bandmate Rick Derringer, on her Facebook page. It's a very sad day for fans of blues and rock guitar. Winter's never … Continue reading R.I.P. Johnny Winter, one of the world’s all-time greatest guitarists, dead at 70
News of Angel City singer Doc Neeson’s death gets the Newt sadly typing
Just noticed an e-mail from fellow Vancouver rock writer "Big Al" MacInnis relaying the sad news that Doc Neeson, the singer from Angel City--or the Angels, as they were called in their native Australia--passed away today at the age of 67. Man, I used to love Angel City tunes like "Marseilles", "Shadow Boxer", and especially "Take … Continue reading News of Angel City singer Doc Neeson’s death gets the Newt sadly typing
H.R. Giger rocked my world with the Alien monster and the Brain Salad Surgery cover
I was shocked and saddened to hear that revered Swiss artist H.R. Giger passed away yesterday at the age of 74, apparently after a fall. I got my first look at his work in 1973 when, as a teenager perusing new albums at a record store, I came across Brain Salad Surgery, the latest release by British prog-rockers Emerson, Lake … Continue reading H.R. Giger rocked my world with the Alien monster and the Brain Salad Surgery cover
Blue Öyster Cult cofounder Allen Lanier dead at 67
Lanier (far left) in a B.O.C. promo shot from the '70s, which they ruled. ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, AUG. 15, 2013 Sad news for fans of one of the greatest hard-rock bands of all time. Allen Lanier, founding keyboardist-guitarist for Blue Öyster Cult, died yesterday after being hospitalized with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which restricts breathing and … Continue reading Blue Öyster Cult cofounder Allen Lanier dead at 67
Former David Bowie bassist Trevor Bolder dies of cancer at 62
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MAY 21, 2013 First we got the sad news yesterday that former Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek had died from cancer at the age of 74. Now comes word that bassist Trevor Bolder, former member of David Bowie's amazing backup band the Spiders from Mars, has succumbed to the Big C at … Continue reading Former David Bowie bassist Trevor Bolder dies of cancer at 62
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell dead at 56
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, JUNE 28, 2009 By Steve Newton Original Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell died early this morning at his home in Orange Park, Florida, apparently due to a heart attack. He was pronounced dead at 1:52 a.m. after paramedics responded to a 911 call in which Powell, who has a history of … Continue reading Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell dead at 56
Legendary guitar creator Les Paul dies
Ir ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, AUG. 13, 2009 Les Paul, famed guitar player and creator of the solid-body Gibson guitar that bears his name, died today (August 13) at the age of 94 in White Plains, New York. Paul, the electronics mastermind who also created multitrack recording and tape delay, first gained popularity in the … Continue reading Legendary guitar creator Les Paul dies
Metal legend Ronnie James Dio dead at 67
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, MAY 16, 2010 Heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio, best known for his work with Rainbow and Black Sabbath, passed away today at the age of 67. He had been battling stomach cancer. His wife Wendy posted the following message on his web site. "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed … Continue reading Metal legend Ronnie James Dio dead at 67
Little Feat drummer and founding member Richie Hayward dies of liver cancer
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, AUG. 13, 2010 Richie Hayward, the founding drummer and longtime member of rootsy southern-rock greats Little Feat, passed away yesterday at the age of 64 after a long battle with liver cancer. Hayward formed the band in 1969 with keyboardist Bill Payne and former Mothers of Invention members Lowell George (guitar) … Continue reading Little Feat drummer and founding member Richie Hayward dies of liver cancer