Died On This Date (February 15, 2012) Clive Shakespeare / Co-founder Of Sherbet

Clive Shakespeare
June 3, 1949 – February 15, 2012

Photo by Lewis Morley

Clive Shakespeare was an English-born Australian guitarist and producer whose band Sherbet, which he co-founded in 1969, went on to become one Australia’s most popular rock bands during the ’70s.  With hits like “Howzat,” “Summer Love,” and “Cassandra” the band became huge in their homeland, while finding additional fans all over the world.  The group had several Australian gold and platinum albums and were reportedly the first from there to reach over $1 million dollars in sales.  The group was managed by the legendary Roger Davies who has also counted such clients as Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John, Cher, and Janet Jackson.  Sherbet disbanded in 1979 but reunited throughout the years.  As a producer, Shakespeare collaborated with the likes of popular Australian singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly.  Clive Shakespeare died of prostate cancer on February 15, 2012.  He was 62.  Former band mate, Harvey James passed away on January 15, 2011.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

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Sherbet

Died On This Date (November 26, 1973) John Rostill / The Shadows

John Rostill
June 16, 1942 – November 26, 1973

rostillJohn Rostill was an English musician and songwriter who is perhaps best remembered as a bassist for one of England’s most successful rock groups, the Shadows.  With 69 UK charting singles (including 17 #1s) they have been recognized as England’s third most successful charted singles act in history.  Only Cliff Richard and Elvis Presley sit above them.  They are also credited for being one of the very first and most influential rock bands to come to prominence in the years leading up to the Beatles.  After playing around London, at times backing such visiting acts as the Everly Brothers, Rostill was hired by the Shadows as a replacement for  Brian Locking.  He played with the band from 1963 to 1968.  After the group broke up in 1968, Rostill performed in Tom Jones’ touring band during the early ’70s.  He was also a successful songwriter, having been recorded by Presley and Olivia Newton-John (“Let Me Be There,” “If You Love Me, Let Me Know,” and “Please Mr. Please”).  By late 1973, the Shadows had reformed and Rostill was about to join back with them when tragedy struck.  On November 26, 1973, John Rostill, 31, was accidentally electrocuted while working in his home studio.

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The Shadows