Died On This Date (January 22, 2017) Pete Overend Watts / Founding Bassist For Mott The Hoople

Pete Overend Watts
May 13, 1947 – January 22, 2017

Top row center, with Mott the Hoople.

Pete Overend Watts was the founding bassist for British glam rock band, Mott the Hoople. The band, which featured Ian Hunter on lead vocals during their “classic years,” had originated as the Buddies, made a few more name changes,  until finally settling on Mott the Hoople when Hunter joined in 1969.  After failing to find a large audience after the release of four albums, the band was on the verge of disbanding when David Bowie stepped in and convinced them to give it another go with him producing.  The resulting album, All The Young Dudes and the Bowie-penned single of the same name kicked the band into overdrive and helped solidify their place as deities of the glam rock movement of the mid-’70s.  West continued to play in different incarnations of Mott the Hoople through 1981 and then again for two reunions during the 2010s.  He also worked as a producer, most famously for Hanoi Rocks.  Pete Overend Watts died of throat cancer on January 22, 2017.  He was 69.

Thanks to Bruce Kilgour for the assist.

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Died On This Date (April 18, 1997) Jay Hening / Star Star; Demolition 23

Jay Hening
DOB Unk – April 18, 1997

At far right with Star Star
At far right with Star Star

Jay Hening was a guitarist in the ’90s glam/punk band, Star Star.   He was later asked to join former Hanoi Rocks singer, Michael Monroe’s band, Demolition 23.  Their Little Steven produced debut was released in 1993.  Jay Hening shot and killed himself on April 18, 1997.



Died On This Date (January 20, 2006) Dave Lepard / Crashdiet

Dave Lepard (Born David Hellman)
May 28, 1980 – January 20, 2006

dave-lepard

Dave Lepard is best remembered as the lead singer and guitarist for Swedish glam metal band, Crashdiet.  Formed in 2000, the band built a sizable cult following due in part, to an image and sound that took its cue from the likes of Guns ‘n Roses, Motley Crue and Hanoi Rocks.  They released their debut album, Rest in Sleaze in 2005.  That following January, Dave Lepard committed suicide at the age of 25.

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Died On This Date (December 9, 1984) Razzle / Hanoi Rocks

Razzle (Born Nicholas Dingley)
December 2, 1960 – December 9, 1984

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Nicholas Dingley, better known as Razzle, was the drummer for influential ’80s glam rock band, Hanoi Rocks. Formed in 1979, the band never rose much higher than cult status, but ended up being direct influences on Motley Crue, Guns ‘N Roses, Faster Pussycat, L.A. Guns, Poison and countless hair bands that popped up by the end of the ’80s.  During the late hours of December 8, 1984, Razzle was a passenger in a car driven by Motley Crue lead singer, Vince Neil.  While speeding and under the influence of alcohol, Neil lost control of the vehicle, crashing it into an oncoming car. The occupants of the other car were seriously injured and Razzle sustained injuries necessitating an emergency trip to the hospital.  When he arrived, he was pronounced dead on arrival at just 24 years old.  Since it was already December 9 at his home in Europe, the 9th is considered the date of his death.

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Died On This Date (December 4, 2008) David Ezrin / Canadian Rock Musician

David Ezrin
December 3, 1966 – December 4, 2008

ezrin

David Ezrin, the Canadian born son of famed record producer, Bob Ezrin, was a songwriter, keyboardist and label executive.  As a musician, he collaborated with Lita Ford, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper and Hanoi Rocks.  He was also the head of A&R at Soul Surfer Records, a label he co-founded.  His songs have been recorded by Vow Wow and Lita Ford.  David Ezrin was 42 when he passed away on December 4, 2008.  Cause of death was not immediately released.