Metal

Died On This Date (March 21, 2008) John Fowler / Steelheart

John Fowler
November 21, 1965 – March 21, 2008

John Fowler is best remembered as the founding drummer for popular early ’90s hard rock band, Steelheart.  Formed in 1990, the band had moderate hits with “She’s Gone (Lady),” “Everybody Loves Eileen,” and “I’ll Never Let You Go.”  Fowler played on the band’s first two albums before they called it quits in 1992.  In later years, he played in bands like Rage of Angels, Voodoo Jets, and Hipnotic.  He also worked as a drum instructor during the final years of his life.  On Marcy 21, 2008, John Fowler died following an unexpected brain hemorrhage. He was 43 years old.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.

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Steelheart

Died On This Date (March 8, 1995) Ingo Schwichtenberg / Helloween

Ingo Schwichtenberg
May 18, 1965 – March 8, 1995

Ingo-SchwichtenbergIngo Schwichtenberg was the founding drummer for speed metal pioneers, Helloween.  Formed in Germany in 1984, the band has released numerous charting albums all over the world.  Schwichtenberg’s drumming proficiency has been an influence to many metal drummers to follow.  In 1993, he was fired from the band for reasons that stemmed from his dependency on drugs and alcohol as well as an apparent mental disorder.  After parting ways with Helloween, Schwichtenberg continued on a downward spiral which lead to him jumping to his death in front of an oncoming subway on March 8, 1995.  He was 29 years old.

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Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy World Tour (Live In Sao Paulo) - Helloween

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

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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 20, 2003) Ty Longley / Great White Guitarist; Died In Tragic Club Fire

Ty Longley
September 4, 1971 – February 20, 2003

tylongleyTy Longley was born in northwest Pennsylvania.  In 2001, he joined metal band, Great White, one of the top rock acts of the ’80s, as they were beginning to mount a comeback for the new millennium.  Unfortunately, their return to the national headlines was caused by a tragic event that claimed Longley’s life.  While on stage at The Station club in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on February 20, 2003, the band’s pyrotechnics accidentally set off a fire that quickly consumed the venue.  In all, 100 people perished in the fire, including 31-year-old Ty Longley.