Died On This Date (April 7, 2013) Andy Johns / Legendary Record Producer & Engineer

Andy Johns
January 1, 1952 – April 7, 2013

andy-johnsAndy Johns was an English record producer and engineer whose resume reads like an encyclopedia of rock.  Still in his teens, Johns hit the ground running working as Eddie Kramer‘s second engineer on recordings by the likes of Jimi Hendrix.  Over the next four decades, Johns left his mark on such iconic albums as Led Zeppelin‘s IV, Physical Graffiti, and Houses Of The Holy;  the Rolling StonesSticky Fingers, Exile On Main St., and Goat’s Head Soup; Free‘s Highway; and  Television’s Marquee Moon.  He also produced or engineered albums for Van Halen, Humble Pie, Ron Wood, L.A. Guns, Cinderella, Chickenfoot, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Steve Miller, Mott The Hoople, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, and many more.  Albums on which he worked have reportedly sold more than 160 million copies in all.  He was the younger brother of the equally impressive producer and engineer, Glyn Johns.  Andy Johns was 61 when he died on April 7, 2013.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums and Brett Ortone at Go Aloha Entertainment for the assist.

 

Died On This Date (March 31, 2011) Don Hill / Iconic New York Nightclub Owner

Don Hill
DOB Unknown – March 31, 2011

Photo by Patrick McMullan

Don Hill was a popular New York City club manager and owner who helped make the Cat Club, and later his own Don Hill’s nightclub THE places to be seen for rock stars and celebrities of every stripe.  Born and raised in New Jersey, Hill was just 18 when landed his first Manhattan job at Kenny’s Castaways.   In 1985, he took over management of the Cat Club and began booking talent like G.G. Allin, Poison, Soundgarden and L.A. Guns – it was the first place most New Yorkers caught a glimpse of these acts.  The Cat Club stage also played host to David Bowie and Peter Frampton during the ’80s.  In 1993, he opened Don Hill’s which again, became and still is, the hangout of choice for many of rock’s elite.  Don Hill was 66 when he passed away on March 31, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (October 16, 1991) Ole Beich / LA Guns, Guns ‘N Roses

Ole Beich
1955 – October 16, 1991

Born in Denmark, Ole Beich was an aspiring bassist who moved to Los Angeles during the early ’80s to find a career in music.  In 1983, he was hired by Tracii Guns to play in his glam metal band, L.A. Guns who would also eventually include Axl Rose on lead vocals.  The band soon morphed into Guns ‘N Roses with Beich serving as bassist for a short period.  After playing just one show with G ‘N R in 1985, he quit the group and was replaced with Duff McKagen.  On October 16, 1991, Ole Beich drowned to death in a Copenhagen lake.  The circumstances were reportedly suspicious leading some to speculate that Beich committed suicide.



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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