Died On This Date (November 8, 2003) Guy Speranza / Riot
themusicsover Guy Speranza
1956 – November 8, 2003
Guy Speranza was the original lead singer for New York heavy metal band, Riot. Formed in 1973, the band struggled to make it and were on the verge of breaking up when, in 1981 the began to find their audience thanks to what was to be called the New Wave of British Heavy Metal that began to break heavy metal into the mainstream. They began touring with such popular metal acts as AC/DC and Molly Hatchet, and were soon signed to Capitol Records. Speranza sang on Riot’s first three albums, but left the after the release of their Capitol debut in 1981. He later retired from music and moved to Florida where he became an exterminator. Guy Speranza, 47, died of pancreatic cancer on November 8, 2003.
What You Should Own
Lonnie Pitchford was a Mississippi-born blues guitarist and singer who has been rightfully called a link between the original Delta and Country bluesmen and those of today. Not only was he adept at the acoustic and electric guitar, but he could handle the double bass, harmonica and piano with the same prowess. Pitchford released his first album, All Around Man, in 1994. Four years later, he died of AIDS. Rock legend, John Fogerty, paid for his tombstone.
