Died On This Date (June 4, 2015) Allan Fryer / Lead Singer of Heaven

Allan Fryer
DOB Unknown – June 4, 2015

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Allan Fryer is perhaps best remembered as the lead singer of popular ’80s Australian heavy metal band, Heaven.  Following the death of Bon Scott in 1980, Fryer auditioned to replace him in AC/DC.  It was believed he secured the role until a surprise announcement (at least to him) that Brian Johnson had in fact been given the job.  Fryer went on to form Heaven whose sound was definitely cut from the same cloth as AC/DC, at least on the early records.  They  eventually grew into a more NWOBHM sound.  Heaven found some success in the US, enough to tour with Dio and Motley Crue in 1982.  Throughout their run, the band released four albums and also toured with Judas Priest, KISS, and Iron Maiden.  On June 4, 2015, Allan Fryer died following a long struggle with cancer.  He was 60.

Thanks to David Plastik for the assist.

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Died On This Date (June 1, 2015) Richard Watson / Guitarist; Grandson of Doc Watson

Richard Eddy Watson
DOB Unknown – June 1, 2015

Photo by Lonnie Webster
Photo by Lonnie Webster

Richard Watson was an accomplished guitarist who was born into American folk music royalty.  His father was the last Merle Watson, after whom the yearly MerleFest music festival is named, and his grandfather was the late great Doc Watson.   A regular fixture at MerleFest throughout the years, Richard joined countless acts on stage. He regularly performed with Doc as well, both at the festival and beyond, until Doc passed away in 2012.  In 1991, Richard produced Third Generation Blues by him and his grandfather for the Sugar Hill label.  Richard Watson was 49 when he passed away on June 1, 2015.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

What You Should Own

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