Died On This Date (December 19, 1993) Michael Clarke / The Byrds
Posted by themusicsover on December 19, 2009
Michael Clarke (Born Michael Dick)
June 3, 1946 – December 19, 1993
Michael Clarke was a rock drummer who, according to legend, was hired by the Byrds in 1964 primarily because he looked like Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. Prior to his short run with the Byrds, Clarke had never played the drums, or much of any other instrument for that matter. Once hired, he practiced on cardboard boxes until he got his first drum kit. In 1967, the Byrds released him. He apparently developed some drumming skills because he later played with the Flying Burrito Brothers, Firefall and Jerry Jeff Walker. During the ’80s, he joined up with Byrds former singer Gene Clark in a Byrds reunion/tribute group of sorts. He also played in Byrds Celebration during the early ’90s. A heavy drinker for many years, Michael Clarke, age 47, died of liver failure on December 19, 1993.
unknown said
THATS SAD! I HEARD THAT DANNY HOLSTEN ALSO DIED TOO THIS LAST YEAR! JUST ONE OF THOSE YEARS I GUESS!
Anonymous said
Danny Holsten is alive and well. Reports of his death are false.