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Rock Musicians Who Died In Tragic Circumstances
The world of rock music is known for its electrifying performances, passionate lyrics, and legendary artists who have left an indelible mark on the genre. However, behind the glitz and glamour, there have been tragic stories of talented musicians whose lives were cut short, leaving fans and the music industry in mourning.

Eddie Cochran
An influential early rock ‘n’ roll star, Cochran tragically met his demise in a fatal car accident in the United Kingdom in 1960. At just 21 years old, he had already made a significant impact on the music scene with “Summertime Blues.” Interestingly, he had a premonition about his own death following the tragic plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson.

Duane Allman
The exceptionally talented guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band, Duane met a tragic end in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia in 1971. His death at the young age of 24 marked a devastating loss for the music world. Tragically, a year later, another band member, bassist Berry Oakley, also succumbed to a fatal motorcycle accident near the same location. Both men, only 24 years old, are now buried side by side in Macon.

Keith Moon
The legendary and chaotic drummer of The Who, Moon lived a tumultuous life filled with excess. In a tragic accident in 1970, Moon unintentionally ran over his friend and chauffeur, resulting in his death. His own life was tragically cut short at the age of 32 in 1978 due to an overdose of Heminevrin. Interestingly, he passed away in the same room where Cass Elliot had died four years earlier.

Keith Relf
he underrated yet talented frontman of the Yardbirds, Relf met a shocking end in 1976 when he electrocuted himself while playing an electric guitar in his basement. Despite the band’s success, Relf’s remarkable talents often went overlooked. His untimely death at the age of 33 left a void in the music industry.

Richard Manuel
Renowned for his soulful voice as a member of The Band, Manuel battled with addiction and depression. Following the group’s breakup in 1986, Manuel tragically took his own life at the age of 42. His former bandmates and close friend Eric Clapton honored his memory in their music, paying tribute to his profound impact.

Jimi Hendrix
A groundbreaking guitarist of unmatched influence in rock history, Hendrix tragically passed away at the premature age of 27 in 1970. His accidental death due to a mixture of barbiturates and red wine deprived future generations of his unparalleled talent. Hendrix’s sudden and untimely demise reverberated throughout the music world, leaving a lasting impact.

Janis Joplin
Celebrated for her emotive and powerful voice, Joplin met a tragic end in 1970 at the age of 27 due to a heroin overdose, just weeks after the passing of Jimi Hendrix. Despite her untimely death, Joplin’s contributions to blues and rock music remain iconic and treasured by fans worldwide.

John Lennon
A pivotal figure as a founding member of the Beatles, Lennon was tragically assassinated by Mark David Chapman in 1980 at the age of 40. Lennon’s legacy extended beyond his musical talents, as he was also a vocal advocate for social and political causes. His untimely death was a profound loss to the music community and beyond.

Bon Scott
The charismatic frontman of AC/DC renowned for his captivating stage presence and distinctive voice, Scott met a tragic end at the age of 33 in 1980 due to acute alcohol poisoning. Scott’s sudden and premature death marked the end of an era for the Australian rock band, leaving fans mourning the loss of his vibrant energy and talent.

Jim Morrison
The enigmatic frontman of the Doors known for his poetic lyrics and wild stage presence, Morrison left an enduring impact on rock music. In 1971, at the young age of 27, Morrison was discovered dead in a bathtub in Paris under mysterious circumstances. The exact cause of his death remains shrouded in speculation, with theories ranging from a drug overdose to heart failure. Jim Morrison’s legacy continues to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide.

Randy Rhoads
The US-born guitarist with Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz died at the age of just 25 in a bizarre plane crash on March 19, 1982. On the way to a festival in Orlando, Florida, the band’s tour bus stopped in Leesburg for repairs to a faulty air-conditioning system.
Seeing an airstrip nearby, tour bus driver and ex-commercial pilot Andrew Aycock took a small plane without permission, and with Rhoads and make-up artist Rachel Youngblood on board, ‘buzzed’ the tour bus. One of the plane’s wings clipped the top of the bus and it ploughed into a garage. Everyone on board was killed instantly.

Keith Relf
The vocalist with British blues rockers The Yardbirds was famous for co-writing Shapes Of Thing and for singing an early version of what would become the Led Zeppelin classic Dazed And Confused. Relf died in 1976 at the age of 33 when he was electrocuted in the basement of his home in London while playing an electric guitar that wasn’t properly earthed.
The fact that Relf was in poor health generally – he suffered from emphysema and asthma throughout his life – most likely contributed to his being unable to survive the shock.

Terry Kath
A founding member of American rock band Chicago, guitarist Kath died in Woodland Hills, California at the age of 31. His preponderance for drug taking was well known. But it was another love – of guns – that got him in the end. On January 23, 1978 Kath was partying at the home of Chicago roadie Don Johnson.
Kath took an unloaded .38 revolver, out it to his head and pulled the trigger. He then moved onto a semiautomatic 9mm pistol, and believing the magazine to be empty, started the same routine. Alas, Kath had missed a single round that was in the chamber, and died instantly when the gun went off.

Steve Peregrin Took
The English multi-instrumentalist found fame alongside Marc Bolan in Tyrannosaurus Rex, but had a well-documented history of drug abuse and was known for the ‘hilarious’ trick of spiking unsuspecting victims’ drinks with hallucinogens.
‘The Phantom Spiker’ was sacked from Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1969. By 1980 and aged 31, Took was living in Notting Hill with Valerie Billiet. The pair injected morphine, but it wasn’t this insanely dangerous practice that killed him. In fact, he asphyxiated after inhaling the cherry in a cocktail he was drinking at the time. Doh!.

Claude Francois
The celebrated French singer who wrote Comme D’Habitude (the original version of Frank Sinatra’s My Way) was a huge star in his home country, selling a staggering 70 million albums during his career. His died at his Paris apartment on 11 March, 1978 at the age of just 39.
Francois was taking a shower when he noticed that a light fixture in the bathroom wasn’t flush on the wall. He decided to try to straighten it and as he did so – with his hands all wet – the vocalist was fatally electrocuted

Dennis Wilson
Beach Boy Dennis was a super-talented musician, but an erratic human being. When he died on December 28, 1983, the 39 year old was homeless in California and plagued by addiction. Wilson got himself into a violent fight at a bar and went to hospital to get fixed up.
Hours later he discharged himself and started boozing on a friend’s yacht in Marina del Rey. He decided it would be a good idea to dive into the water to try to retrieve various bits and pieces he’d thrown overboard from his own yacht three years previously – and drowned in the attempt.

Jeff Porcaro
The drummer with AOR monsters Toto died at the age of 38 on August 5, 1992. The story goes that he’d been spraying insecticide in the yard of his home, suffered an allergic reaction, and died that evening in hospital. The LA County Coroner’s Office, however, stated that the cause of death was a heart attack induced by cocaine abuse.
Surviving band members and family vigorously denied this, saying that while Porcaro did use cocaine, in no way was he a heavy abuser. Guitarist Steve Lukather pointed out that Porcaro had a congenital heart condition and that two uncles died of heart disease when they were 40.

Michael Hutchence
The Australian sex symbol and lead singer of INXS committed suicide on November 27, 1997 at the age of 37. The inquest into Hutchence’s death at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Sydney concluded that he killed himself while depressed and under the influence of alcohol and “other drugs”.
Why was he depressed? Because Hutchence was caught in the middle of a messy separation between his girlfriend Paula Yates and Bob Geldof. He was found in a kneeling position facing the door, hanged by his own snakeskin belt. Yates later claimed Hutchence hadn’t wanted to kill himself, and had died accidentally in a solitary sex game.

Randy California
The Spirit guitarist was one of the faces of the late ‘60s hippy movement in the US. But despite the well-known substance abuse of the era, California died in 1997 at the age of 45 in a tragic accident.
While swimming in the Pacific Ocean on January 2 at Molokai, Hawaii, near to his mum’s house, the musician and his 12-year-old son Quinn got into difficulty when a rip current took hold. California managed to save his son by pushing him to the shore, but couldn’t save himself and drowned.

Jeff Buckley
The son of ‘60s solo artist Tim Buckley, the Californian guitarist, singer and songwriter died at the age of just 30 on May 29, 1997. Already feted for his soulful writing and extraordinary, sweeping voice, Buckley made the fatal decision to go swimming wearing clothes and boots in Wolf River Harbor, a water channel in the Mississippi river near Memphis, Tennessee.
Roadie Keith Foti was on the banks when he noticed that the singer had disappeared. His body was finally found on June 4 by two locals. The autopsy established that there was no sign of either drugs or alcohol in Buckley’s system.

Dimebag Darrell
The guitarist with Texas thrash metallers Pantera died in the most unusual circumstances on December 8, 2004. Pantera had disbanded in 2003 and Darrell Abbott was performing live with his new act, Damageplan, at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio.
Not long after the band had started their set a 25-year-old former marine, Nathan Gale, shot Abbott with a 9mm Beretta pistol. The guitarist took three bullets to the head and died instantly. Gale went on to kill four people in total and wound seven others before police officers shot him dead.

Mike Edwards
English cellist Mike Edwards has probably suffered the most bizarre death of any rock musician. The ELO man, who was with the band from 1972 to 1975, had moved to Devon to work on a number of projects, and to teach the cello and violin. He died on September 3, 2010 at the age of 62 on the A381 between Harbertonford and Halwell, near to his home in Totnes.
Edwards was driving a van when a cylindrical hay bale weighing 1300 pounds rolled down a hillside and collided with the vehicle. A subsequent court case ruled that two defendants were not guilty of health and safety violations.

Samong Traisattha
Thai black metal outfit Surrender of Divinity’s bassist and vocalist Samong Traisattha was stabbed to death in his own home on January 8, 2014. He was 36 years old. According to the musician’s wife, a fan called Prakam Harnphanbusakorn had come round for a drink and to talk about getting some T-shirts printed.
She found her husband dead in the living room. A Facebook user then posted a photo of the body on the social networking site and wrote a confession saying they had killed the musician because he played black metal, but wasn’t a true Satanist.

Sandy Denny
The hugely respected Fairport Convention folk singer who lit up Led Zep’s Battle of Evermore wasn’t in the best of health by the time she hit 30. Known for her drinking and cocaine abuse, Denny’s behaviour had become erratic when she went on holiday with her parents and baby Georgia in March of 1978.
She fell down a staircase and hit her head on concrete. The doctor treating her prescribed a painkiller called distalgesic, which was dangerous when mixed with alcohol. On April 17 Sandy collapsed at the home of her friend Miranda Ward and died four days later in a Wimbledon hospital at the age of just 31.

Stiv Bators
The American vocalist of both The Dead Boys and Lords of the New Church had almost died on stage once, when a stunt designed to look like he was hanging himself went wrong. Bators was pronounced clinically dead for a number of minutes, but miraculously survived.
After such a lucky escape, Bators’ actually death at the age of 40 seems almost banal. He was run over by a taxi in Paris, and was sent to hospital. Bators waited for hours, but eventually left without seeing a doctor. He died in his sleep on June 4, 1990 as a result of the concussion.

Kirsty MacColl
The English singer songwriter’s unforgettable duet with Pogues singer Shane MacGowan on Fairytale Of New York had turned her into a household name. Sadly, she died at the age of 41 when a speedboat hit her. On December 18, 2000 MacColl was on holiday in Cozumel, Mexico with her sons and partner.
Despite being in a designated diving zone with restricted entry, a speedboat entered the area. MacColl saw that it was heading directly for her eldest son, Jamie, and managed to push him out of the way. But she was struck by the boat herself and died instantly.

Euronymous
Oystein Aarseth, also known as Euronymous, was a Norwegian black metal guitarist in the band Mayhem. Having got himself into a silly feud with another Norwegian black metal acolyte, Varg Vikernes, also known as Count Grisnackh, things degenerated to the point where on the night of August 10, 1993, Vikernes drove to Aarseth’s apartment in Toyengata, and knifed him outside the front door.
His body was found with 23 stab wounds – two to the head, five to the neck and 16 to the back. He was 25. Vikernes was arrested nine days later and was eventually sentenced to 21 years in prison.

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CLASSIC CLAPTON unplugged
Seaton Delaval Arts Centre - Saturday 28 September
Mike Hall and Adam Howells from CLASSIC CLAPTON will perform an acoustic gig at Seaton Delaval Arts Centre on Saturday 28 September. They will be on stage at 7.30pm and will perform 2 x 60 minute sets.  Doors open 7pm.  Tickets priced £14.50 (Concessions £14) are available from the box office - 0191 237 5460 or visit www.seatondelavalartscentre.com.
Mike and Adam both live locally.  However, this will be their first ever performance at the Arts Centre. It will also be the only Classic Clapton show in the North East this year.  You are advised to book early.
The band was formed in 1985 in Newcastle long before the term tribute band was invented. Since then, they have performed throughout the UK including concerts at The Royal Festival Hall, London and at Glastonbury Festival in 2002.  They have toured throughout Europe.  In 2009 & 2016 they did several concerts in India including performing in front of 3500 people in Mumbai. In 2017 they also appeared in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The full band performed its final CLASSIC CLAPTON tribute concert at Sage Gateshead in December 2023. However, Mike intends to continue with unplugged shows from now on.
For this unplugged gig, Mike & Adam will both sing & play acoustic guitar. Their show is based around Slowhand's multi-million selling album ''Eric Clapton / unplugged'' - Eric's best-selling album ever, winning numerous Grammies. CLASSIC CLAPTON unplugged will include many of the best tracks, including Tears in Heaven, Before You Accuse Me, Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out, Running on Faith, Alberta, Old Love and of course Layla.  The show will also feature new acoustic versions of other Clapton Classics such as Wonderful Tonight, Lay Down Sally, Promises, Change the World and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
The whole of Clapton's illustrious career will be covered including Cream, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Blind Faith, The Yardbirds, Derek & The Dominos and the solo years.  
TWO HOURS OF CLASSIC CLAPTON UNPLUGGED
Eric Clapton will reach the milestone age of 80 next March.  His recent tours unfortunately have visited only a limited number of large UK arenas. It is unlikely that Eric would ever undertake an Unplugged Tour.  If fans want to hear all of his hits played live & unplugged in more intimate surroundings, they should attend a CLASSIC CLAPTON Unplugged concert.
NB: There is no licensed bar at the venue so please bring your own bottle.
http://www.classic-clapton.com
Ticket link:-
https://seatondelavalartscentre.com/whats-on/classic-clapton-unplugged/
Facebook:-
https://www.facebook.com/events/360549840286591?ref=newsfeed

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John Mayall, Legendary Pioneer of British Blues, Dead at 90
John Mayall was often called the "father of British blues" and was credited with playing an important role in the revival of the genre in the late 1960s.
"Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world's greatest road warriors," the post said.
Mayall is credited with helping develop the English take on urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues that played an important role in the blues revival of the late 1960s.

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THERE'S A BRAND NEW ROSE IN TOWN

Looking for a live music venue in Durham that not only hosts live bands and solo artistes but also offers home cooked hot and cold food, has a large Beer Garden with free parking and next to local bus routes?
Well, you're in luck, The Coach and Horses in Birtley can boast all of this - and more!
Now under 'New Leadership', their first gig is tonight (Saturday 20th July) with BRASSNECK. Band is on around 8.30-ish and their "extensive and delicious" home cooked food is served up to 8pm. The venue full address is The Coach & Horses, Leyburn Hold, Birtley, DH3 1QF. Any bands interested in playing please contact by email only: coachgigs2024@gmail.com.
Probably go without saying [say it, say it] but all their gigs will be on Riffs Gig Listings page.

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BAND (still) WANTED FOR WEDDING NIGHT

Adaptable band capable of playing a wide range, that would be ideal for filling the dancefloor at a wedding for the evening of 7th September. Please contact: Carl Robinson 07792212567          carlrobinson_87@yahoo.co.uk

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Despite little to no coverage on the major News channels, COVID 19 is very much alive and well.
Apparently it has now evolved into many varied strains and can attack under the guise of something quite innocuous.
I speak from experience as this past week has been a rollercoaster; first day it was just a sore throat, second day a heavy cold, third day flu - and then the virus really took hold and I had a hard time realising where I was.
Avoiding it, with the scant regard to hygiene that people give, seems nigh impossible.
So - be aware.
[Yeah, whatever, but did you get the listings up?]

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Ticket prices have been confirmed and over a third have gone already. As you can imagine The Rose has only so much room so tickets are strictly limited. They are £24.99 from the bar, and from eventbrite.com with a fee.
Please feel free to give a donation of your own to the Maggie Centre, it is such a worthy cause and they will be most grateful.

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BAND WANTED FOR WEDDING NIGHT

Adaptable band capable of playing a wide range, that would be ideal for filling the dancefloor at a wedding for the evening of 7th September. Please contact: Carl Robinson 07792212567          carlrobinson_87@yahoo.co.uk

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GONE . . . BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

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"We Cool?"

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DOUBLE TOP FOR THE ROSE INN

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'N STUFF:  We hear that Lock n Load are looking for an axeman. We also hear that Cosh from that excellent and much-missed combo Rock Solid may be interested . . .

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"You can check-out any time you like,
But you can never leave"

I have it on good authority that 'people of standing' will be at the Deeks gig in Hetton tonight (Fri 7). The Deeks never disappoint and I'm hoping for the odd snap or two of this illustrious combo. Reason enough methinks to show the most recent pic we have of the Deeks, all sporting Christmas jumpers at Heaton Buffs. This pic was taken around . . . no, don't tell me . . . let me think......

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These following three pics are for Brian, who emailed Riffs yesterday waxing lyrical about the times Val and myself visited The Three Tuns and the Duke of Cumberland back in . . . well, anywhere from 1997 onwards I guess. Pics show Val and Paul, then Thompa and Val, then Ronnie, Val and Thompa. Those were the days my friend [did you think they would never end?]. I didn't actually.

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Apparently, more than one person thought those boobs were Val's. Not so, for comparison we have pleasure in showing two booby pics of Val at a XXXX do, where she had to undergo the obligatory titty stamp - by their offical Titty Stamper.

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I intend to live forever ... So far, so good  

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Sticky Fingers and The Unlikely Lads - Paranoid
https://www.facebook.com/100000730474535/videos/1192194945349602/
With Terry 'Can You Hear Me?' Gorman



    

 

     

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