Died On This Date (May 30, 2013) Andreas Thein / Co-Founder Of German Synth Pop Group, Propaganda

Andreas Thein
DOB Unknown – May 30, 2013

andreas-theinAndreas Thein was a co-founder of influential German electronic synth pop band, Propaganda.  Formed in 1982, the band was quickly signed to Trevor Horn’s ZTT Records who released their acclaimed 1984 debut album, A Secret Wish. The LP’s first single, “Dr. Mabuse,” was a hit in Europe, reaching #27 in the UK and #7 in Germany.  Later that year however, Thein was asked to leave the group.  He went on to play in such groups as Rififi and Kino who signed to Chrysalis Records and had a moderate hit with “Room In My Heart.” Andreas Thein was 59 when he lost his battle with cancer on May 30, 2013.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

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Died On This Date (April 21, 2013) Chrissy Amphlett / Lead Singer Of The Divinyls

Chrissy Amphlett
October 25, 1959 – April 21, 2013

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

Chrissy Amphlett was an Australian singer who is best remembered for fronting the internationally famous rock band, Divinyls.  Formed in Sydney in 1980 as part of the blossoming New Wave movement, the Divinyls had their first Australian hit with “Science Fiction” in 1982.  The song has since been named one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).  The band released just five studio albums in all – four of which charted in Australia, while one, Divinyls, reached #15 in the U.S. thanks to the Top 5 single, “I Touch Myself” and its titillating video. In 1996, Amphlett, who was in a relationship with co-founder and lead guitarist, Mark McEntee, split with him, putting an end to the band’s initial run.  Following the break-up, Amphlett pursued acting.  She made her debut in the 1982 film Monkey Grip, and later appeared alongside Russell Crowe in the 1988 Australian stage production of Blood Brothers.  She went on to play Judy Garland in the original touring production of The Boys From Oz.  In 2006, she and McEntee reformed the Divinyls for the ARIA Hall Of Fame ceremony.  It was their first performance in a decade.  They recorded a yet-to-be-released album around 2007 and continued to perform select dates including the grand finale of 2007’s Australian Idol.  That same year, Amplett revealed that she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, and in 2010, she disclosed that she was battling breast cancer.  Unfortunately, the MS kept her from receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment which may have prolonged her life.  Chrissy Amphlett was 53 when she passed away on April 21, 2013.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.

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

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Died On This Date (April 19, 2012) Greg Ham / Men At Work

Greg Ham
September 27, 1953 – April 19, 2012

Greg Ham was an Australian musician who made an indelible mark on pop music by way of his flute work with popular ’80s new wave band, Men At Work.  It is Ham’s flute riffs that can be prominently heard in the band’s mega hit, “Down Under.”  The album from which it came, 1982’s Business As Usual, topped the charts in both the US and Australia as it sold upwards of 15 million copies worldwide.  Formed in 1978 by Colin Hay, the band brought Ham on shortly thereafter to handle saxophone, flute, and keyboard duties.  He remained with the outfit until 1985 but then rejoined in 1996.  He continued to play with the band until recently.  Away from Men At Work, Ham worked as an actor on the Australian television series, While You’re Down There.  He also taught guitar at a Melbourne primary school.  On April 19, 2012, Greg Ham was found dead in his home.  Cause of death was not immediately released.  He was 58.

Thanks to Anne Bentley for the assist.

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Men At Work

Died On This Date (February 2, 2012) Phil Brown / The Records

Phil Brown
September 13, 1953 – February 2, 2012

Phil Brown was the bassist for the English power pop band, the Records.  After earlier being considered to play in Free and Mott the Hoople, Brown was hired by the Records.  Formed during the late ’70s, the band went on to build a formidable cult following with some loyalists going as far as calling them the “British Big Star.” Drawing inspiration from the likes of Badfinger and the Raspberries, the Records began putting out records in 1979.  That year’s Shades In Bed included the catchy single, “Starry Eyes,” which went on to become one of power pop’s most enduring songs.  Although signed to Virgin Records, the band failed to catch on beyond cult status in the US, and split up in 1982.  After the Records, Brown collaborated with Kirsty MacColl, Mark Nevin, and Jane Aire.  He formed his own band, the Hurt in 1984, and later played in Hollywood Killers.  In 2001, Phil Brown was diagnosed with an undisclosed degenerative illness which ultimately took his life on February 2, 2012.

Thanks to Belinda Rawlins at Bubbles In The Think Tank for the assist.

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Smashes, Crashes and Near Misses - The Records

Died On This Date (January 4, 2011) Mick Karn / Bassist For Japan

Mick Karn (Born Andonis Michaelides)
July 24, 1958 – January 4, 2011

Mick Karn is perhaps best remembered as the bassist for British art-rock band, Japan during the late ’70s and early ’80s.  The band, which also featured David Sylvian, Richard Barbieri, Steve Jansen and Rob Dean where one of the foundations on which the “New Romantic” movement was built – even though they fought to distance themselves from it.  They fancied themselves more of the David Bowie, New York Dolls and T. Rex ilk.  Albums like Gentlemen Take Polaroids and Tin Drum quickly established them as leaders of the alternative rock heap around the world.  After the band broke up in 1982, Karn released several solo albums while collaborating with the likes of Midge Ure, Peter Murphy, Joan Armatrading, Gary Numan, and Kate Bush.  He continued to record as recently as 2009.  On January 4, 2011, Mick Karn died of a cancer that he had been battling for the previous several months.  He was 52.

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Tin Drum (2003 Remaster) - Japan