Died On This Date (December 15, 2008) John “Sean” Byrne / The Count Five
themusicsover John “Sean” Byrne
November 16, 1947 – December 15, 2008
John Byrne is best remembered as the lead guitarist for ’60s garage rock band, the Count Five, who, although from the San Francisco area, chose its name to sound more akin to the popular British invasion bands of the time. Byrne sang lead on and wrote the band’s only hit, 1966’s “Psychotic Reaction,” which made it to #5 on the Billboard charts, and is generally included in any respectable garage compilation of the era. The band surprisingly turned down numerous high-paying gigs in order for Byrne to go back to college, but did find time to appear on an episode of American Bandstand. The band went on without him, touring with the likes of the Doors and the Beach Boys with Byrne joining the band for special engagements in later years. John Bryne, 61, died of cirrhosis of the liver on December 15, 2008.
Thanks for Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.
What You Should Own
Chris Feinstein is best remembered as a producer as well as the most recent bassist for Ryan Adams & the Cardinals. Prior to joining Adams, Feinstein collaborated with Albert Hammond Jr. of the Strokes and Jack Ingram. In 2006, he joined Adams’ band, playing on Easy Tiger, Follow The Lights and Cardinology as well as touring with them. Reports indicate that Chris Feinstein, age 42, died in his home on December 14, 2009. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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