Peter Herolzheimer
December 31, 1935 – March 27, 2010
Peter Herolzheimer was a German jazz musician who played the trombone and lead his own band for many years. Over the course of his career, he has played with the likes of Al Jarreau, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and Art Farmer. As a composer, Herolzheimer wrote music that was performed during the opening ceremonies of 1972’s summer Olympics in Munich. Peter Herolzheimer passed away on March 27, 2010. He was 74.
Eazy-E (Born Eric Wright)
September 7, 1963 – March 26, 1995
Eazy-E was a groundbreaking rapper who, along with his group, N.W.A. was a pioneer of the gangsta rap genre. During the mid ’80s, Eazy-E co-formed N.W.A. while also starting his own label, Ruthless Records, through which he released the group’s records. In 1988, N.W.A. released their landmark album, Straight Outta Compton, which made a massive impact on both music and pop culture in general. With its hard hitting lyrics strewn with violence and profanity, it offered a glimpse of the inner city life, appealing to both urban kids and those from the suburbs alike. The album sold over three million copies and is often cited as one of the most important albums of all time. Shortly after the release of it, Eazy-E released his own Eazy-Duz-It which also sold in the multi-million copy range. N.W.A. group broke up in 1991, reportedly over money issues. Eazy-E continued to release solo albums through the early ’90s. On March 16, 1995, Eazy-E went to the hospital complaining of what he assumed were asthma-related issues. But to the shock of friends, family and fans, he was diagnosed with AIDS and died as a result of it just ten days later. He was 31 years old.
Paul Hester was the much-adored drummer Australian new wavers Split Enz for about a year before they called it quits. Split Enz leader, Neil Finn and Hester went on to form Crowded House with bassist Nick Seymour. The band’s catchy pop tunes would help usher in what we now know as “Alternative Rock” and would gain them world-wide fame. But ten years into the ride, Hester decided to leave the group to devote more time to his new daughter. His post-House life was just as, if not more, productive. He opened a restaurant and made numerous regular appearances on Australian radio and television including a recurring role as Paul the Cook on The Wiggles. He also hosted a popular ten-part variety-type show called Hessie’s Shed followed by the concert series, The Max Sessions. Tragically, Hester hanged himself on March 26, 2005. To many fans it was a shock to learn that Hester reportedly suffered from depression, since he always seemed so happy and fun-loving on stage.
Nikki Sudden was an English post-punk singer-songwriter who, along with his brother Epic Soundtracks, built a loyal following in Swell Maps and later Nikki Sudden & the Jacobites. Fans gravitated toward Sudden’s music due in part to its sound that was noticeably influenced by early Stones, Faces, T.Rex and Johnny Thunders. Sudden died after a show on March 26, 2006. He had been working on a new album which was released later that year.
John Mayhew was an English drummer who is best remembered as the third one in the progressive rock band, Genesis. He joined the group in 1969, replacing John Silver. He was then replaced by Phil Collins a year later. During his short tenure, Mayhew played on Tresspass. Not much is known about Mayhew’s post-Genesis life, many in fact, assumed he had died since rumors circulated that he had never claimed a royalty check. He did resurface at a Genesis convention in 2006. John Mayhew passed away on March 26, 2009.