LonPaul Ellrich
1970 – May 7, 2008
LonPaul Ellrich was a much respected multi-instrumentalist and producer who added his skills to such notable Indianapolis acts as Sardina, the Mysteries of Life, June Panic, Some Girls, and the United States of Three. He was also part of Marmoset, one of the first acts to sign to the Secretly Canadian label. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Matt Mugridge
1966 – May 7, 2009
Cleveland’s Matt Mugridge was a constant in the city’s changing music scene. A passionate music fan and punk musician himself, Mugridge co-founded the legendary Grog Shop on Cleveland’s east side in 1992. Thanks to Mugridge, future stars like Flaming Lips, Oasis and the Offspring played early gigs at the Grog Shop. In later years, Mugridge opened a couple of other clubs and started his own film company where he shot live concert films for acts such as the Black Keys and Neko Case. Mugridge passed away in his home on May 7, 2009.
Dave Fisher
DOB Unknown – May 7, 2010
Dave Fisher is best remembered as the founding lead singer of ’60s folk group, the Highwaymen. Formed in 1958, the group, along with the Kingston Trio, became popular along the college circuit while popularizing traditional American music with a whole new generation. In 1961, the group scored their biggest hit with “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore,” which reached #1 on the singles chart and sold over a million copies. That was followed by the nearly as successful, “Cottonfields.” The Highwaymen broke up in 1964, but reunited a handful of times in later years. At one point, Fisher moved to Hollywood where he composed music for film and television and worked as a studio singer and musician. He was 69 when he died of a rare blood disease on May 7, 2010.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
Grant McClennan
February 12, 1958 – May 6, 2006
Grant McClennan was an Australian singer-songwriter who is best remembered for co-founding the critically acclaimed alternative rock back, the Go-Betweens. Formed with Robert Forster in 1977, the band released six albums until disbanding in 1989. During their time together, McClennan and Forster were celebrated as their time’s greatest songwriting team by no less than the Village Voice. As is often the case, despite such accolades and a rabid core fan base, the Go-Betweens never found the success they deserved. Following the band’s break-up, McClennan released a handful of albums as both a solo artist and under collaboration with others. In 2000, he reunited with the Go-Betweens for three more albums. On May 6, 2006, Grant McClennan died of a fatal heart attack in his home. He was 48.
Ean Evans
September 16, 1960 – May 6, 2009
Ean Evans was most recently the bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd, having joined the band in 2001, replacing Leon Wilkeson who had recently passed away. Evans started playing the guitar at 15 and in no time he was gigging around the southeast in various cover bands. He later switched to bass. In 1988 he was asked to join the Outlaws by Hughie Thomasson. Thomasson eventually folded the group to join Lynyrd Skynyrd. Wilkeson followed in 2001. He was diagnosed with cancer in late 2008 and died of the disease on May 6, 2009.
Thanks to Ed Maxin for the assist.
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