Died On This Date (December 9, 1984) Razzle / Hanoi Rocks
themusicsover Razzle (Born Nicholas Dingley)
December 2, 1960 – December 9, 1984
Nicholas Dingley, better known as Razzle, was the drummer for influential ’80s glam rock band, Hanoi Rocks. Formed in 1979, the band never rose much higher than cult status, but ended up being direct influences on Motley Crue, Guns ‘N Roses, Faster Pussycat, L.A. Guns, Poison and countless hair bands that popped up by the end of the ’80s. During the late hours of December 8, 1984, Razzle was a passenger in a car driven by Motley Crue lead singer, Vince Neil. While speeding and under the influence of alcohol, Neil lost control of the vehicle, crashing it into an oncoming car. The occupants of the other car were seriously injured and Razzle sustained injuries necessitating an emergency trip to the hospital. When he arrived, he was pronounced dead on arrival at just 24 years old. Since it was already December 9 at his home in Europe, the 9th is considered the date of his death.
Own A Piece Of Rock ‘n Roll
What You Should Own
Patty Donahue is best remembered as the lead singer of ’80s new wave act, the Waitresses. Formed in 1978 in Akron, Ohio, the band made its mark on pop culture with three catchy songs during the early ’80s. Their “I Know What Boys Like” from their debut album stands today as one of the most lasting and instantly recognizable songs of the era, while their stab at a Holiday song, “Christmas Wrapping,” continues to be an annual favorite at modern rock stations around the world. And in 1982, the group provided the theme song for the now cult classic American TV show, Square Pegs. Much more than a pretty face with a sultry pop voice, Donahue blazed the trail for feminist-centric alternative rockers to follow. That list includes Liz Phair and Ani DiFranco. Following the break up of the Waitresses in 1984, Donahue moved over to the label side where she worked in A&R at MCA Records. On December 9, 1996, Patty Donahue died of cancer. She was 40 years old.
Mary Hansen was a singer and guitarist for popular London-based alternative rock band, Stereolab. Born in Queensland, Australia, Hansen was living in London by the early ’90s, and it was there that she first joined the Wolfhounds, and was soon invited to join Stereolab. Besides the guitar, Hansen played keyboards and percussion while singing an occasional lead for the group. She remained a member of Stereolab until the time of her passing and sang on recordings by the likes of Hovercraft and the High Llamas. On December 9, 2002, Mary Hansen, who was 36, was accidentally struck and killed by a truck while riding her bicycle in London.
Will Shatter played bass and sang lead for San Fransisco post-hardcore band, Flipper. Though they never achieved much fame outside their core fan base, they are considered a strong influence on many of today’s punk bands. They were also critics’ darlings based in part on their signature song, “Sex Bomb.” Sadly, Shatter died of a heroin overdose on December 9, 1987, destroying any chance the band had to achieve the acclaim they deserved.
