Red Hot Chili Peppers’ vocalist Anthony Kiedis was born on this day, November 1st in 1962! When I think of the RHCPs – which, trust me, is not often – I remember that one really great album they put out back in 1991, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (which is all about boning and taking drugs, so how could it not be awesome?), and how, when I saw them live on tour in support of that album, the support bands were… Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Ah, memories. Happy Birthday, Anthony!
On This Date, September 17th, In 1991: Rob “Robin” Tyner (born Robert Derminer), lead singer of the MC5 died of a heart attack in the seat of his parked car in his hometown of Berkley, Michigan. He was 46 years old. Kick out the Jams, Rob.
On This Date, November 24th, in 1991: Queen’s lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara) died of complications from AIDS, one day after publicly admitting he was HIV positive. He was 45 years old. Thank you Freddie for all of the great music, your truly inimitable style and for helping to make my Teenage Hell years bearable. I never loved any other rock star the way I loved you.
On This Date, April 23rd in 1991: Johnny Thunders, guitarist for the New York Dolls died in New Orleans under mysterious circumstances, which have been rumored to be the result of foul play and drug related causes. He was 38 years old. I knew Johnny’s backup singer, Allison Gordy, for years and she always claimed that he was murdered, so I guess there’s some foundation to those rumors after all. Maybe some day the truth will come out. RIP, Johnny.
On this Day, April 20th in 1991: Steve Marriott, singer / guitarist for The Small Faces and Humble Pie died in a fire at his home in Arksden, UK caused by falling asleep while smoking a cigarette in bed. He was 44 years old.
