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Died On This Date (June 5, 2015) Nick Marsh /Flesh For Lulu

Nick Marsh
DOB Unknown – June 5, 2015

nick-marshNick Marsh is best remembered as the co-founder and lead singer of ’80s goth/alternative rock band, Flesh For Lulu.  Formed in London in 1982, the band quickly signed to Polyder who unceremoniously dropped them after lackluster sales of the self-titled debut.  After a couple more miss-starts, the band signed with Beggars Banquet who was able to place their new single, “I Go Crazy,” into the popular John Hughes film, Some Kind Of Wonderful film; the result, decent rotation on American college radio and their first tour of the United States.  The momentum continued with Capitol Records soon releasing Long Live The New Flesh, which included “I Go Crazy,” as well as their second college (and MTV) hit, “Postcards From Paradise.” In 1989, they scored their biggest hit single with “Time And Space,” after which Capitol dropped them for reasons unknown.  The band soon split up. During the mid ’90s, Marsh resurfaced fronting a new band called Gigantic, which failed to repeat the success of Flesh For Lulu, so they disbanded a couple of years later.  In 2013, Marsh reformed Flesh For Lulu who toured clubs to the cheers of longtime fans.  On June 5, 2015, Nick Marsh, 53, died of an aggressive form of throat cancer.

Thanks to Benjie Gordon of The Hair Up There for the assist.

What You Should Own

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Click to find at amazon.com


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

Allan Fryer
DOB Unknown – June 4, 2015

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

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.

Own a Piece of Rock ‘n Roll History

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

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com
Click to find at amazon.com


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

Click to find at amazon.com
Click to find at amazon.com


Died On This Date (May 27, 2015) Dennis Sheehan / Longtime U2 Tour Manager

Dennis Sheehan
1946 – May 27, 2015

dennis-sheehan-1Dennis Sheehan had been U2‘s tour manager since 1982.  Joining the European tour prior to the release of War, Sheehan went on to become not only a trusted colleague of the band, but a dear friend as well.  Throughout his career, Sheehan also worked with Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, and Stone the Crow. Just hours after the band kicked off a string of dates in Los Angeles, Sheehan reportedly died of cardiac arrest in his hotel room.

Thanks to John Harrison at OOII Swim Club for the assist.


Died On This Date (May 18, 2015) Dean Schachtel / Industry Veteran

Dean Schachtel
DOB Unknown – May 18, 2015

dean-schachtelDean Schachtel was a beloved music industry veteran who spent the latter part of his career working as the GM for Wendy Dio and Ronnie James Dio‘s Niji Entertainment. Schachtel, who also served on the board of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund, was a major force behind the annual Dio celebrations that raised money for the fund.  A tireless ambassador for the industry as a whole, his enthusiasm for all types of music was on display every single day.  A regular presence at concerts, festivals, and other music related events, Schachtel shared his enthusiasm with anyone within earshot.  Earlier in his career, Schachtel worked at Rhino, the Warner Music Group, and the Jewish Music Group, as well as KDSK radio in Southern California.  In recent years, Shachtel also managed the social media campaigns for Motorhead and Territory League Wrestling.  Dean Schachtel was 49 when he passed away on May 18, 2015.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Yahoo! Music for the assist.