On This Date, April 6th in 1998: Wendy O. Williams, outrageous vocalist and front woman for The Plasmatics died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds after attempting suicide on several previous occasions. She was 48 years old. As the chief focal point of Plasmatics’ live performances, Williams was infamous for her wild stage theatrics which included blowing up equipment, partial nudity and chain-sawing television sets and guitars onstage. RIP Wendy, you were one of a kind.
Tag Archives: rock star deaths
RIP Ronnie Montrose
It’s a huge bummer to have to report on the passing of legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose, whose eponymous band — fronted by vocalist Sammy Hagar — released so many songs that I loved while growing up in the seventies. According to an article up now at Rolling Stone, Montrose died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012, having suffered from clinical depression since childhood. A sad loss for music. Ronnie Montrose was 64 years old.
Michael Davis, Bassist for MC5, Dead at 68
MC5: Michael Davis is on the Far Right
Michael Davis, the bassist of influential late 1960s rock band MC5, has passed away due to liver failure, his wife announced on Saturday, February 18th. He was 68 years old. Davis’ death leaves Guitarist Wayne Kramer and Drummer Dennis Thompson as the band’s only surviving original members. More information on what Davis was up to in recent years is available at This Link. RIP, Michael.
Remembering New York Dolls’ Drummer Jerry Nolan
Jerry Nolan with Bandmates Sylvain Sylvain (Left) and David Johansen (Right) (Image Source)
On This Date in 1992: New York Dolls’ drummer Jerry Nolan died while in a coma after suffering a stroke a few weeks earlier in New York City. Nolan was 45 years old.
Remembering Steve Clark
On This Date, January 8th, in 1991: Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark was found dead at his Chelsea flat by his girlfriend, after a night of heavy drinking and prescription drug consumption. He was 30 years old. An autopsy revealed the cause of death as an overdose of codeine combined with Valium, morphine and alcohol. In 2007, Clark was posthumously ranked No.11 on Classic Rock Magazine’s 100 Wildest Guitar Heroes. What a waste. RIP, Steve.