NYS Music 20​15

Tag: Obituary

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.”