Died On This Date (May 14, 1976) Keith Relf / The Yardbirds
Keith Relf
March 22, 1943 – May 14, 1976

Keith Relf was the lead singer and harmonica player for the Yardbirds, the British blues rock band that launched Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. After the breakup of the Yardbirds, Relf worked in such bands as Renaissance and Armageddon as well as produced the likes of Amber, Saturnalia and Medicine Head. Relf’s life was tragically cut short at 33 when he was electrocuted while playing an improperly grounded guitar.
What You Should Own



Noel Redding is best remembered as the bassist for the 
John Rutsey was the drummer and founding member of Rush who was replaced by Neil Peart after the release of their first album. It was the summer of 1968 when Rutsey along with Alex Lifeson and Jeff Jones built the foundation for one rock’s most beloved power trios. Vocalist Jones was soon replaced by Geddy Lee. Rutsey, Lifeson and Lee later went into the studio and recorded Rush’s self-titled debut, but since Rutsey suffered from diabetes, he decided to leave the band as he feared a life on the road would take a heavy toll on his body. Ironically, his post-rock life found him turning to competitive body building on the regional amateur level. Rutsey died of a heart attack in his sleep on May 11, 2008.
Martin Lamble was the drummer on the first three Fairport Convention albums. Lamble was killed following a gig when the van in which the band was traveling was involved in an accident. He was just 19. The girlfriend of band mate, Richard Thompson was also killed.
Gary Finneran was the leader of ’90s Orange County punk band, the Ex-Idols. Signed to Relativity Records, the Ex-Idols released their debut Social Kill in 1994. It garnered positive reviews and received moderate airplay around the US. Finneran later moved on to such acts as Tuscaurora, She Died and Tragedy Club. Gary Finneran passed away on May 10, 2009 at the age of 45.