Died On This Date (May 20, 2014) Randy Coven / Bassist For Steve Vai & Yngwie Malmsteen
themusicsover Randy Coven
June 24, 1958 – May 20, 2014
Randy Coven was a rock bass virtuoso who counted no less than guitar gods, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen as band leaders. Born on Long Island, Coven picked up the bass at an early age and was lucky enough to get some early schooling from a neighbor and fusion legend, Jeff Berlin. After high school, during which he played in local hard rock cover bands, Coven continued his music education at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. It was there that he met fellow student Vai, with whom he formed Morning Thunder. After they broke up, Coven joined a Canadian fusion band, Orpheus. He later moved back to New York where he formed his own band. Throughout the ’90s, he played with the likes of C.P.R., Leslie West‘s reunited Mountain, and Malmsteen. Throughout his career, Coven released three of his own albums, Funk Me Tender (1990), Sammy Says Ouch! (1990), and Witch Way (2002). Randy Coven was 56 when he passed away on May 20, 2014. Cause of death was not immediately released.
What You Should Own
Dave Brockie is best remembered as lead singer for the popular theatrical shock metal band, GWAR. Going under the stage name, Oderus Urungus, Brockie co-formed the band in 1984. GWAR went on to build a legion of fans due in part to their over-the-top sci-fi inspired costumes and comic book violence that ran through their lyrics and live shows. They released their debut album, Hell-O, in 1988 and 11 more leading up to the 2013 release of, Battle Maximus. 2014 found the band touring in celebration of their 30th anniversary. Dave Brockie was 50 when he was found dead in his home on March 23, 2014. Cause of death was not immediately released. GWAR band mate, 
