Died On This Date (August 1, 2009) George Taylor Morris / Popular DJ; Sparked “Wizard Of Oz” vs “Dark Side Of The Moon” Phenomenon

George Taylor Morris
1947 – August 1, 2009

morrisGeorge Taylor Morris was a popular FM disc jockey who most recently could be heard on XM Satellite’s classic rock channel, Deep Tracks.  Morris began his radio career while still in high school in King City, California, and after graduating, he moved to a station in Lake Tahoe to work as programmer and disc jockey.  Over the years, Morris worked at popular stations from Santa Barbara, California to New York City.  He is perhaps best remembered for sparking a minor phenomenon while on the air at Boston’s WZLX in 1997.  He had been tipped off about several remarkable similarities between The Wizard of Oz and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon.  After syncing the opening of the movie up with the album at home one evening, Morris went on the air the next day and discussed the amazing synchronicity of the two, especially when you’re stoned.  The word spread around the world almost immediately, despite the fact that the internet was basically in its infancy at the time.  Morris went to work at XM in 2001 where he spun classic rock records and hosted the popular “XM Artist Confidential”  interview series where he sat down with many of music’s biggest names.  George Taylor Morris died of throat cancer at the age of 62.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums and Gary Case for the assist.



Died On This Date (August 1, 2008) Tony Schepkens / Bassist For Agathocles

Tony Schepkens
April 19, 1973 – August 1, 2008

Photo courtesy of the band.

Tony Schepkens was the bassist Belgian grindcore band, Agathocles.  The political band formed in 1985 and released numerous split singles and EPs as well.  They were a popular touring band, having shared the stage with such bands as Napalm Death.  Sadly, Tony Schepkens took his own life on August 1st, 2008. He was 35.

 

Died On This Date (August 1, 2008) Roberto Arciniega / Fonovisa Marketing Director

Roberto Arciniega
DOB Unknown – August 1, 2008

Roberto Arciniega, was a a marketing director for Latin label, Fonovisa Records for many years.  Throughout his career he worked on projects by such artists as Los Temerarios, Los Tigres del Norte, and Marco Antonio Soli.  He passed away in his home at the age of 58.  Cause of was not immediately released.

Died On This Date (August 1, 2009) Andy Parle / Former Drummer For Space

Andy Parle
DOB Unknown – August 1, 2009

Photo By Doug Peters
Photo By Doug Peters

Andy Parle is best remembered as the founding drummer for British pop band, Space.  Formed in 1993, Space had several UK hits including their biggest, “Female Of The Species.”  Thanks to college radio and MTV, the band stirred some interest in the US, but a 1997 tour failed to capitalize upon it.  Parle left the band the following year.  Published reports indicate that Parle collapsed for no apparent reason while crossing a Liverpool street after leaving a local pub near midnight.  Cause of death was not immediately released.  He was 42.

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