NYS Music 20​15

Category: Obituaries

  • Specials Drummer John Bradbury Passed Away

    John Bradbury, drummer of legendary ska band The Specials, died on Monday, Dec. 28 at the age of 62.

    John BradburyBradbury was the drummer from English 2-Tone and ska band The Specials, formed in 1977. He was known for his signature reggae and ska sound and seen as ground-breaking on the Specials’ early hits. He was an integral member of the Specials reunion in 2008. No cause of death was given when the band broke the news via Twitter.

    The Specials were known for their ’60s mod-style suits worn on stage, and they had seven hits in the UK top 10, including “A Message to You, Rudy” and “Too Much Too Young.”

    Bradbury was born and raised in Coventry, England where the Specials formed. When the band split up in 1981, he joined The Specials AKA. He also headed the JB All-Stars, a northern-soul revue act.

  • Country Singer Craig Strickland Found Dead

    UPDATE 1/4/16: Craig Strickland was found dead today. Here’s the post from the Ponca City News:

    The body of country singer Craig Strickland was found Monday north of Bear Creek Cove on Kaw Lake by a state game ranger…

    Original post: 

    The search for Backroad Anthem vocalist Craig Strickland continues. Strickland, 29, and his friend Chase Morland, 22, set out for a late-night duck hunting trip on Sunday, Dec. 27 on Kaw Lake in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

    Craig Strickland 2

    Backroad Anthem posted on their Facebook page that Craig’s father, Randy Strickland, texted the band informing them that they haven’t had any contact within 24 hours from Craig or Chase and feared the worse.

    Weather conditions that night saw a mixture of rain, sleet and snow with 45 mph winds making it around 15 degrees.

    Morland tweeted what seemed to be a joke and not distress, even though they were traveling through some rough weather, turned serious hours later. Craig Strickland retweeted Morland’s post.

    Morland tweeted late Saturday night:

    Screenshot_2015-12-31-00-18-44[2]

    Morland was found dead at the lake by State Troopers on Monday morning, Dec. 28, near Tulsa. Their boat was also found which seemed to have capsized in the water. Strickland’s dog Sam was found alive and well sitting next to the body of Morland. Police have stated that no flotation devices were found.

    Strickland’s wife Helen, who is a former Miss Arkansas USA, has sent out several tweets over the last few days updating the search rescue efforts while remaining hopeful that Craig will be found and asking fans to pray for him.

    Backroad Anthem released several statements through social media since they been made aware of the news of Strickland’s disappearance. In their statement, the band says that Craig is the most passionate person they know. The statement went on to say that his passion for music and the stage has kept them going miles and miles down the road. “Craig is an amazing person, husband, son, bandmate, and most certainly best friend.”

    Screenshot_2015-12-31-00-42-14[1]

  • Lemmy Dead at 70

    Lemmy, born Ian Fraser Kilmister, the legendary frontman of iconic metal band Motorhead, died Monday at his home in Los Angeles due to complications from an aggressive cancer that was only discovered on Dec. 26, according to the band’s official Facebook page.

    There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely…

    Posted by Official Motörhead on Monday, December 28, 2015

    If there were a definition of the term “badass” in the Oxford Dictionary, Lemmy’s picture would be it. The man lived a pure rock and roll lifestyle until his last breath. Famous for his deep vocals into a down-turned microphone and his unorthodox style of playing bass, Lemmy proved an inspiration to a generation of musicians of all genres. Many called his style of playing “lead bass” because he really wasn’t holding the low end as most bassists do. He was like a second lead guitarist in the Motorhead trio.

    Lemmy

    Lemmy had experienced a number of health issues in recent months, cutting shows short in Salt Lake City and Austin and canceling a show in Denver altogether. Prior to leaving the stage in Austin, he said, “I can’t do it,” before leaving the stage. The thin air of Salt Lake was named as the cause for Lemmy cutting the show short and also given as the reason for the Denver cancelation.

    Musicians the world over have taken to social media to express their sympathies and appreciation for Lemmy, including original Motorhead guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke, who wears the unfortunate title of sole remaining original member of the band following the November death of drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor.

    I have just been told that Lemmy has passed away in LA.Like Phil, he was like a brother to me. I am devastated.We did…

    Posted by Fast Eddie Clarke Official on Monday, December 28, 2015

    Gene Simmons of KISS posted:

    Lemmy was born in Burslem, England on Dec. 24, 1945. The infamous Hollywood club, Whiskey A Go Go, hosted a private, star-studded 70th birthday celebration for Lemmy on Dec. 13. The show featured a band consisting of Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke of Guns N Roses; Robert Trujillo of Metallica; Charlie Benante and Scott Ian of Anthrax; Zakk Wylde of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society; and Steve Vai, among others.

    Comedian Jim Norton, who befriended Lemmy and had him as his band director on the short-lived HBO stand-up series Down and Dirty, tweeted the following:

    Lemmy began his musical career in the early ’60s and was heavily influenced by the Beatles. He served time as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix and earned his chops in the early prog-rock band Hawkwind. On his exit from the band, Lemmy said in his autobiography that he was fired “for doing the wrong drugs.”

    Motorhead and Lemmy’s legacy loom large on the metal scene and popular music as a whole. His death leaves a big hole in rock and roll. The world has lost a legend and as posted on Motorhead’s Facebook page:

    Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself.
    HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT.
    Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister
    1945 -2015
    Born to lose, lived to win.

    We’d say “Rest in Peace, Lemmy” but you’d tell us to “Eff off.” RIP anyway, sir.

    https://youtu.be/XUJ0IYZKLvE

  • Nick Alexander, Merchandise Manager for Eagles of Death Metal and Music Journalist Guillame B. Decherf Among Those Killed at Bataclan

    As the details begin to unfold as to who has laid claim to the senseless acts of violence in Paris Friday, November 13, we learn of the passing of Nick Alexander, Eagles of Death Metal’s Merchandise Manager.

    Nick Alexander with Girlfriend Polina Buckley
    Nick Alexander with Girlfriend Polina Buckley

    In a statement released by the family to Rolling Stone, they share of their loss.

    “It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night. Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle; he was everyone’s best friend – generous, funny and fiercely loyal,” Alexander’s family said. “Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.”

    What we have learned thus far by the NYTimes, is that these acts have been claimed by ISIS as the “beginning of the storm”.  French officials are informing us that, “..the assaults were carried out by three coordinated teams that included a 25-year-old Syrian terrorist”.  With suicide bombers and gunmen entering three separate areas throughout the “City of Love”, the city has been deemed a “state of emergency” closing down schools, events, and tourist attractions throughout the city, while placing other cities on high alert in efforts to thwart other attempts they may have planned.

    6007798-3x2-700x467As news begins to be released and we learn of those we have lost, one particular loss hits close to home, as included in this news is the loss of French music journalist, Guillame B.Decherf, who was at the Bataclan last evening to cover the performance of Eagles of Death Metal. Covering the show for local publication, Les InRocks, as he has so many shows since he began working for them in 2008, it was likely the furthest thing from the mind of this father of two that carrying out a job he loved of music would end so tragically.

    Guillame B. Decherf
    Guillame B. Decherf

    Through the aide of technology, news has been shared in such a timely manner keeping the rest of the world abreast of the situation.  Social tools such Facebook’s, Safetycheck, has helped many friends and family to confirm the safety of their loved ones while the world stood in unison changing their profile photos with the Parisian flag. Twitter quickly became a message board of sorts for those in need tweeting and hash tagging #PorteOuverte — “open door” for those in need of refuge while #UneBougiePourParis , and #Praying4Paris sent support from strangers worldwide.  Tonight as the world comes together in solidarity, we reflect back on the wise words of Martin Luther King as we move forward together to make changes in the world;  “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

  • Thomas Ayad, Mercury Records Executive, Among Paris Concert Casualties

    In the wake of Friday’s attacks in Paris, the identities of the victims are being released. NYS Music previously reported on the deaths of Eagles of Death Metal Merchandise Manager, Nick Alexander and music journalist Guillame B. Decherf. It is now being reported that Thomas Ayad, an executive with Mercury Records, whose parent company, Universal Music Group has offices in Paris, was also among the 89 killed by the gunmen at Bataclan music hall. Ayad was 34 years old.

    Thomas-Ayad

    Promoters have announced that the remaining 20 dates of the Eagles of Death Metal’s European tour have been canceled so that the band members and crew could return home to their families. All members of the band safely escaped the venue. Founding member Josh Homme, also a founding member of Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age was not with the band on its Eurpoean tour.

    Universal Music Group Chairman Lucien Grainge issued a letter to the Los Angeles Times on Saturday in response to the attacks:

    Dear Colleagues:

    Today, I’m writing to you with a heavy heart.  

    We, like so many around the world, are struggling with last night’s horrific tragedy in France.

    Paris is in our thoughts and prayers.  We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims as well as our fervent wishes for healing for all of those affected by this senseless violence.

    This is especially painful and personal for all of us.  As many of you know, the band Eagles of Death Metal is part of the UMe and Mercury France family.  The band and its crew as well as our own teams from Mercury and other UMG staffs were present at the Bataclan theater for last night’s show.

    At this point, we have confirmed that Thomas Ayad, an international product manager for Mercury Records lost his life in the attack on the theater.  This is an unspeakably appalling tragedy.  I cannot even begin to express the depth of my sorrow.  On behalf of everyone here at UMG, we extend our most profound sympathies to his parents and all of his friends and family.

    We will update you further as information permits.  In the meantime, please send all healing thoughts and prayers for those affected by this heinous act.

    Today is a dark day.  We are a family. Let’s support one another as we grapple with the weight of this darkness.

    Sincerely,

    Lucian 

  • Original Motorhead Drummer Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor Dies at 61

    Original Motorhead drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor died Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the age of 61 after a lengthy illness. Former bandmate “Fast” Eddie Clarke confirmed the news on his Facebook page Thursday.

    RIP Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor (1954-2015)
    RIP Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor (1954-2015)

    Taylor, along with Clarke and Ian “Lemmy” Kilminster, formed the groundbreaking metal band Motorhead in 1975, and in the process influenced hundreds of metal musicians since.

    Taylor served two stints in Motorhead (1975-1984/1987-1992), playing on the band’s first seven albums, including the groundbreaking albums Ace of Spades, Iron Fist and Overkill. 

    Clarke eulogized Taylor on his Facebook page Thursday:

    My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier when the time finally comes.  I have known Phil since he was 21 and he was one hell of a character. Fortunately, we made some fantastic music together and I have many many fond memories of our time together.  Rest in peace, Phil!
    Taylor’s original exit from Motorhead, while never confirmed by him, was said to have been the result of a dispute with Clarke and Kilmister during the recording of a cover of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” with shock rocker Wendy O. Williams.
    Taylor and Clarke rejoined Motorhead onstage at a show Nov. 6, 2014 in Birmingham, England.

  • Allen Toussaint, New Orleans Royalty, Dies at 77

    Legendary New Orleans composer and pianist Allen Toussaint has died from an apparent heart attack at his hotel following a performance in Madrid, Spain early Tuesday morning. Toussaint’s daughter, Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux confirmed her father‘s death to the The New York Times Tuesday.

    Mr. Toussaint was scheduled to perform in London and Belgium following his Madrid performance.

    Toussaint McCartney

    Mr. Toussaint frequently collaborated with his fellow New Orleans musicians as well as rock luminaries such as Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello. Costello recently said of him, “There was no one on the planet who cared more about New Orleans than this man.”

    Born in 1938 in the working class section of New Orleans known as Gert Town, Mr. Toussaint taught himself to play the piano and released his first album in 1958.

    His songs were recorded by many, including the Rolling Stones and The Who, both taking turns at his song “Fortune Teller.” The song was posted on the Rolling Stones Twitter feed Tuesday morning. Phish has often covered his “On Your Way Down.”

    Other musicians have also posted messages celebrating the life of Mr. Toussaint:

    Forced to relocate to New York due to Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Toussaint was a frequent perfomer at Joe’s Pub. The move rejuvenated his career and he eventually returned to New Orleans, performing often at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

    Mr. Toussaint gained fame outside of his home town with his 1975 solo album Southern Nights. Glen Campbell also had a hit with the title song.  He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and received the National Medal of the Arts from President Obama.

    Mr. Toussaint, humbly stated on his website, “I’m not accustomed to talking about myself, I talk in the studio with musicians. Or through my songs.”

  • Gail Zappa Passes at the Age of 70

    Gail Zappa, born Adelaide Gail Sloatman, has passed away. According to a release from the Zappa Family Trust, Gail “departed this earth peacefully at her home . . . surrounded by her children, ” in Los Angeles Oct. 7.  The cause of death was not released, but TMZ reports she had been fighting a long-time illness.

    gail zappaZappa was predeceased by her husband Frank, who succumbed to prostate cancer in 1993. She is survived by their four children, Diva, Dweezil, Ahmet and Moon.

    Gail Zappa formed the Zappa Family Trust, following her husband’s death, to preserve Frank Zappa’s musical legacy and, in that time, released 38 albums of previously unreleased Zappa music.

    The statement released on the official Frank Zappa Facebook Page, praised Gail as one who, “enthusiastically executed her role as guardian of her husband’s creative life and, with his passing, strove to ensure his legacy as one of the leading American composers and musicians of the 20th century. In this and all business endeavors, Gail passionately advocated to establish clear definitions of intellectual property and copyright laws on behalf of not just her husband, but all artists.”

    The family trust had recently been turned over to son Ahmet and announced plans for a documentary on the life of Frank Zappa, to be directed by Alex Winter, earlier this summer. Speaking with Rolling Stone about the upcoming doc, Gail stated, “My obligation was to get the work out there the way Frank built it in the first place.”

    Frank and Gail met through mutual friend, Bobby Jameson in 1966 and were married the following year, while Gail was pregnant with Moon.

  • REO Speedwagon and Fans Mourn Loss of Gary Richrath

    On September 13, 2015, REO Speedwagon‘s friend, band mate, and creative collaborator, Gary Richrath unexpectedly passed away.  Best known as lead guitar player for the band, Richrath joined the band in the early years, and wrote, produced, and played along side the band members until 1989 when he ventured out in a solo career.

    Gary Richrath 690fbcb294ffb5909ebc8e3a72a8d341

    Best known for his “Riding The Storm Out” and “Take It On The Run”, this guitar player’s solos were highlights in these and numerous other songs the band released over the years. In 1989, Richrath ventured out on his own and in 1992 released his only solo album Only The Strong Survive.

    In 2013, Richrath once again joined the band at “Rock To The Rescue”, a benefit to raise money for those effected by the tornadoes in Illinois that year.  Calling in a favor from his golf buddy, Larry The Cable Guy, Richrath and Dan (real name) headed to Illinois to join the group and several others to raise money to help those in need while their communities were rebuilt.  Joining the band on stage for the encore of “Riding The Storm Out”, the crowd went crazy and hairs stood on end as a moment that those there will never forget.

    Gary Richrath will forever be revered as one of the greatest guitar players in the business, an amazing songwriter, and his fans, friends, and family will miss him.

  • Legendary Yes Bassist Chris Squire Has Passed On

    Dynamic bassist, vocalist and founding member of Yes, Chris Squire succumbed to leukemia this morning in his Phoenix home. His Yes bandmate, Geoff Downes tweeted earlier this morning, “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”

    Squire has long been considered on of the finest and most influential bassists in prog rock history — a key songwriter in his band Yes, Squire was the only member to appear on each and every Yes release.

    The band will start a new tour later in the summer with Billy Sherwood handling the bass duties.