Tag Archives: rock star deaths

Music, Pop Culture

Sandy West, Runaways Drummer and band Co-Founder, Succumbs to Lung Cancer

Sandy West Portrait On Kit
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10/21/06 – Los Angeles, CA.

Sandy West, drummer for the influential 70s band The Runaways, died Saturday, October 21, 2006 after a long battle with lung cancer.

She left an indelible mark on rock music as a founding member of The Runaways, which featured fellow rockers Joan Jett, Lita Ford and Cherie Currie, and as a leading inspiration for a number of notable musicians, both male and female. Many young musicians can trace their inspiration directly to the first time they heard “Cherry Bomb.”

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Music, Pop Culture

"And The Streets Are Paved With Gold…": RIP Arthur Lee

the band love photo by gail worley
Love in 1967: Lee is Second from the Right (Photo By Gail)

Yesterday (August 3rd, 2006) I heard of the sad passing of Love front man Arthur Lee, one of the greatest rock visionaries of the ’60s or any other time. In college, I was greatly blessed to discover Love’s third release, Forever Changes, and I can honestly say the music on this phenomenal album brought about a monumental shift in perception for me. I’m listening to the CD right now as a matter of fact, and the timelessness of songs like “The Red Telephone” and “Alone Again Or” (covered by everyone from UFO to The Damned) still blows my mind.

Love Forever Changes
A Must Own Album

Thanks for the music Arthur. Say Hi to Syd for me.

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Music, Pop Culture

RIP Syd Barrett

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Syd Barret Color Haunted
“Arnold Layne…had a strange hobby…”

Original Pink Floyd Guitarist and front man, Roger ‘Syd’ Barret, has passed away on July 7th, 2006, at age 60 due to complications from diabetes. In his obituary for the NY Times rock journalist John Pareles writes that Barrett, “was also renowned both as an LSD casualty and as a symbol of how close creativity can be to madness.” Read more of that resonant obit at this link: Syd Barret Dies at 60. Shine On, You Crazy Diamond.

syd barrett photo by gail worley
Photo of Syd Taken at Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains in Los Angeles, December of 2021

Music, Pop Culture

“I’m Gonna Let the Music Move Me Around…” RIP Billy Preston

Billy Preston Color
R.I.P. Billy Preston

On June 6th, 2006, Billy Preston, often known as the fifth Beatle, passed away at the age of 59. Preston was recruited to record with The Beatles by George Harrison and performed on The White Album, Let it Be and Abbey Road. He also played with major artists like Neil Diamond, Ray Charles and The Rolling Stones, wrote the Joe Cocker 1974 hit “You Are So Beautiful” and had a dozen or so hits of his own. My personal favorite was “Will It Go ‘Round In Circles,” which was a #1 hit when I was 12.

Preston had been in a coma since November 2005, after suffering kidney failure brought on by a lifelong drug addiction. Rest In Peace.

The Beatles with Billy Preston
Billy with The Beatles during the recording sessions for Let It Be

Music, Pop Culture

Remembering John Bonham

John Bonham At the Kit

Drummer John Bonham of Led Zeppelin passed away on this day, September 25th, in 1980. I can’t believe it’s been over three decades since the tragic passing of one of the greatest and most influential rock drummers of all time. Bonham’s Zeppelin rhythm section partner, bassist John Paul Jones, has created a lovely little tribute/memorium to John which you can view before entering the Led Zeppelin official web page. Check it out and remember the greatness that was Led Zeppelin.