2010

Died On This Date (February 28, 1985) David Byron / Uriah Heep

David Byron (Born David Garrick)
January 29, 1947 – February 28, 1985

David Byron is best remembered as the original lead singer of Uriah Heep, a popular British rock band during the early ’70s.  He fronted the band from its inception in 1969 until 1976.  He helped propel the band to super-stardom with his  impressive vocal range and charismatic stage presence.  Songs like “Easy Livin” have become staples of classic rock radio.  In 1976, Byron and Uriah Heep parted ways.  His attempts to match his early acclaim with the formation of other bands and solo projects proved unsuccessful.   In 1980, he refused a request to reunite with Uriah Heep.  David Byron was 38 when he died of epilepsy and a liver condition that was reportedly a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

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Demons and Wizards - Uriah Heep

Died On This Date (February 28, 1990) Dave Prichard / Armored Saint

Dave Prichard
November 27, 1963 – February 28, 1990

Photo by David Plastik – Click To Order Quality Prints – Discount code: 10OFF

Dave Prichard is best remembered as a founding guitarist for popular Los Angeles metal band, Armored Saint.  Formed in 1982, the band quickly built a sizable local following which lead to a 1983 record deal with revered independent, Metal Blade Records.  A year later, following the release of an EP on Metal Blade, they were picked up by major label, Chrysalis.  The band quickly released their debut album, March of the Saint which contained the MTV video staple, “Can You Deliver?”  By 1989, the band were growing frustrated with Chrysalis so they went back to Metal Blade.  Around that time, Dave Prichard was diagnosed with leukemia.  On February 28, 1990, he passed away from the disease at the age of 26.

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March of the Saint - Armored Saint

Died On This Date (February 28, 1974) Bobby Bloom / One Hit Wonder With “Montego Bay”

Bobby Bloom
1946 – February 28, 1974

bobby-bloomBobby Bloom was a singer, songwriter and musician who scored a big pop hit with “Montego Bay” in 1970.  The song reached #8 in the U.S. and #3 in the U.K.  As a songwriter, Bloom co-penned the Bobbie Gentry and Billy Idol hit, “Mony Mony,” as well as “Sunshine,” a hit for the Archies.  On February 28, 1974, Bloom was accidentally shot and killed during an altercation over a woman.  His assailant was never caught.



Died On This Date (February 27, 2010) T-Bone Wolk / Respected Journeyman Bassist

Tom “T-Bone” Wolk
1951 –  February 27, 2010

 

T-Bone Wolk was a brilliant bassist who, though likely not a familiar name, was a familiar presence on stage and television since the 1980s.  Born in Yonkers, New York, Wolk, like so many of our rock heroes, decided on the night he first saw the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, that he was going to be a musician.  And within a few years, Wolk was playing in local garage bands.  His first break came in the early ’80s when he was asked to fill in for Will Lee in the Late Show With David Letterman band.  Wolk would later be the bassist for the Saturday Night Live house band. In 1981, Wolk was hired to play in the Hall & Oates band, with whom he spent over 20 years.  He also co-produced several of their records.  As a session player or producer, Wolk also worked with, among others, Carly Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Harry NilssonRoseanne Cash, Elvis Costello and Billy Joel.  T-Bone Wolk died of a heart attack on February 27, 2010.

Thanks to Michelle Aquilato for the assist


Died On This Date (February 27, 2010) Larry Cassidy / Lead Singer of Section 25

Larry Cassidy
1953 – February 27, 2010

larry-cassidyLarry Cassidy was the front man of influential post punk band, Section 25.  Formed with his brother in 1978, Section 25 quickly signed with legendary Manchester, England label, Factory Records.  Along with such label mates as Joy Division and New Order, the group provided the blue print for future generations of techno and electronic acts.  Section 25’s first single, “Girls Don’t Count” was produced by Ian Curtis of Joy Division.    The band released three albums before calling it quits in 1986.  Those records spawned such popular singles as “Crazy Wisdom,” and their biggest hit, 1984’s “Looking From a Hilltop.”      Factory released a fourth Section 25 album in 1988.  After the group’s break up, Cassidy, who was married to band mate, Jenny Ross, went to school to become a teacher.   They reformed Section 25 in 2001, but tragedy struck with Ross died of cancer in 2004.  Cassidy soldiered on and continued to release music with the band.  On February 27, 2010, while working on a release of re-mixes, Larry Cassidy died at the age of 56.  Cause of not was not initially released.

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From the Hip (Remastered) - Section 25