Musician

Died On This Date (January 12, 2010) Brian “Damage” Keats / Drummer For The Misfits

Brian Damage (Born Brian Keats)
February 11, 1963 – January 12, 2010

Brian Damage was a rock drummer who once played with Glenn Danzig in his band, the Misfits.  Prior to that, Damage played with Genocide and Verbal Abuse.  He joined the Misfits in 1983, but his first show ended up being the band’s farewell concert. And Damage didn’t even complete that show,  as reports indicate, he was so drunk that the other band members physically removed him from the stage mid-show and continued on with another drummer.  Following his brief tenure with the Misfits, Damage landed several studio and live gigs with many other artists.  That list includes Raging Slab, Princess Pang, Sylvain Sylvain, Low Pop Suicide, Susannah Hoffs, Billy Idol, and the Fuzztones.  Brian Damage died of cancer on January 12, 2010.  He was 46 years old.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.



Died On This Date (January 11, 2005) Spencer Dryden / Jefferson Airplane

Spencer Dryden
April 7, 1938 – January 11, 2005

dryden

Spencer Dryden is best remembered as a drummer for ’60s rock bands, Jefferson Airplane and New Riders of the Purple Sage.  Born to a half-brother of Charlie Chaplin, Dryden grew up in Los Angeles where his father worked for the actor.  Much of Dryden’s childhood was spent on movie sets and later, jazz clubs that his father frequented.  In 1966, Dryden was hired by the Jefferson Airplane to replace Skip Spence who had left to form Moby Grape.  Because of his background, Dryden brought some jazz improv into the band’s live sets.  After Jefferson Airplane’s infamous altercation with the Hell’s Angels at the Altamont concert, Dryden decided to leave the group.  From 1970 to 1977, Dryden played in New Riders of the Purple Sage, and soon thereafter, for psychedelic supergroup, the Dinosaurs.  He retired in 1995.  Spencer Dryden was reportedly living in poverty during the final years of his life and died of colon cancer on January 11, 2005.

What You Should Own

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Surrealistic Pillow - Jefferson Airplane

Died On This Date (January 11, 2010) Mick Green / ’60s British Guitar Slinger

Michael “Mick” Green
February 22, 1944 – January 11, 2010

Mick Green was an English guitarist and songwriter who came to prominence as lead guitarist for Johnny Kidd & the Pirates during the ’60s.  The band is considered one of the foundations of garage rock, with their “Shakin’ All Over” being a rock music staple which has been covered by the likes of the Guess Who and the Who.  In 1964, Green left the group and resurfaced as a member of popular Mersey Beat/British Invasion band, Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas.   In later years, he played guitar for the likes of Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, and Bryan Ferry.  Mick Green was 65 when he passed away on January 11, 2010.



Died On This Date (January 10, 1976) Howlin’ Wolf / Blues Legend

Howlin’ Wolf (Born Chester Burnett)
June 10, 1910 – January 10, 1976

howlin-wolfWith his loud booming voice and raw harmonica skills, Howlin’ Wolf became one of the mid-20th century’s most influential blues men.  Wolf’s career began to build during the 1930s when he performed with the likes of Robert Johnson, Son House and Sonny Boy Williamson II.  His electrifying versions of such blues standards as “Smokestack Lightning” and “Backdoor Man” were what became embraced by later generations of rock bands like the Rolling Stones and the Doors.  Unlike most bluesmen before and since, Wolf did well financially.  He got an education, albeit later in life, and learned business skills that benefited him and his career.  Wolf suffered a few heart attacks toward the end of his life, and had his kidneys injured during a car accident.  On January 10, 1976, 65-year-old Howlin’ Wolf died of complications from kidney disease.

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The Chess Box: Howlin' Wolf - Howlin' Wolf

Died On This Date (January 10, 2009) Billy Brown / Rockabilly Pioneer

Billy Brown
July 22, 1929 – January 10, 2009

billybrown

Billy Brown was an American rockabilly guitarist and singer who launched his career upon his return from the Korean War.  Brown released a handful of singles before he was signed by Columbia Records in 1957.  A young Jerry Reed played on a few of those early Columbia recordings.  None of his releases sold particularly well.  Billy Brown was 79 when he passed away on January 10, 2009.