Todd Sampson
DOB Unknown – July 25, 2010
Todd Sampson was a punk singer who began his professional career as a Las Vegas high schooler back in 1980. Just sixteen years old at the time, he was asked to join the Swell, which soon changed its name to M.I.A., and relocated to Newport Beach, California. No less than the All Music Guide has called them one of the top 50 Southern California punk bands of that generation. Soon after the move however, Sampson left the group and formed Self Abuse, which began to build a solid following throughout the local scene, mainly by covering other popular local punk band’s songs. That lead to Sampson’s Army which he formed in 1984, who, for the most part, called it quits during the early ’90s. In 2008, Sampson rejoined M.I.A. following the unexpected death of lead singer, Mike Conley. In the early hours of July 25, 2010, Todd Sampson, 46, passed away after nearly collapsing and being helped offstage during an M.I.A. performance at a Las Vegas Club. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Bob Bell for the assist