Died On This Date (April 10, 2012) Ritchie Teeter / Former Drummer For The Dictators

Ritchie Teeter
March 16, 1951 – April 10, 2012

Ritchie Teeter was a rock drummer who made is mark playing behind the Dictators during some of the band’s glory years.  With a sound and vibe that was not that far removed from the Ramones, MC5, the Stooges, or the New York Dolls, the Dictators built a dedicated following that remains loyal to this day.  Teeter joined the band following the release of their first album, Go Girl Crazy, and can be heard playing  on 1977’s Manifest Destiny and 1978’s Bloodbrothers. Both are considered essential for any respectable early New York punk collection.  Teeter went on to play in Twisted Sister in late 1980/early 1981, but never appeared on any of their albums.  He did participate in later Dictator reunion shows, though not much is known about his more recent life. It appears that Teeter retired from the business some time ago, or he at least kept a very low profile.  Ritchie Teeter was 61 when he died of esophageal cancer on April 10, 2012.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

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Died On This Date (April 10, 2012) Barbara Buchholz / Respected Theremin Player & Composer

Barbara Buchholz
December 8, 1959 – April 10, 2012

Photo by Gregor Hohenberg

Barbara Buchholz was a German composer and musician who is considered one of the finest theremin players the world has ever known.  The instrument, patented in 1928 by inventor, Leon Theremin, is an electronic device that is played by running one’s hand between its two antennas without ever making contact with the instrument.  It transmits an eerie whistle type sound that was common in old science fiction films and television programs.  Buchholz began playing the guitar, bass, and flute early in life, and it wasn’t until the late ’90s that she took up the theremin after meeting Lydia Kavina, a grandniece of Theremin.  She soon became one of Kavina’s star pupils and collaborated with her on 2006’s Touch! Don’t Touch!.  Barbara Buchholz was 52 when she died of cancer on April 10, 2012.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.