Rock

Died On This Date (November 8, 2003) Guy Speranza / Riot

themusicsover November 8, 2009 No Comments

Guy Speranza
1956 – November 8, 2003

Guy Speranza was the original lead singer for New York heavy metal band, Riot. Formed in 1973, the band struggled to make it and were on the verge of breaking up when, in 1981 the began to find their audience thanks to what was to be called the New Wave of British Heavy Metal that began to break heavy metal into the mainstream. They began touring with such popular metal acts as AC/DC and Molly Hatchet, and were soon signed to Capitol Records. Speranza sang on Riot’s first three albums, but left the after the release of their Capitol debut in 1981. He later retired from music and moved to Florida where he became an exterminator. Guy Speranza, 47, died of pancreatic cancer on November 8, 2003.

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Musician Rock

Died On This Date (November 7, 1986) Tracy Pew / The Birthday Party

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Tracy Pew
December 19, 1957 – November 7, 1986

Tracy Pew is best remembered as the bassist for late ’70s / early ’80s Australian post punk goth rock band, The Birthday Party. Although the band never achieved much more than limited cult status, it’s individual members, including Nick Cave, went on to varying levels of success after the band split up in 1983. It was then that Pew all but retired from the music business, opting instead to go to university where he studied philosophy and literature. He did resurface over the next couple of years to participate in a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds album as well as one by Lydia Lunch. On November 7, 1986, Tracy Pew died of an epileptic seizure at the age of 28.

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Musician Rock

Died On This Date (November 6, 1972) Bill Murcia / New York Dolls

themusicsover November 6, 2009 No Comments

Bill Murcia
1954 – November 6, 1972

Billy Murcia, 2nd From Left — Bill Murcia, 2nd from left

Bill Murcia was the original drummer for the legendary New York Dolls. Alongside David Johansen, Rick Rivets, Johnny Thunders and Arthur “Killer” Kane, Murcia helped lay down the foundation of what would be called punk rock. Rivets was soon replaced by Sylvain Sylvain. Following the completion of their debut album, the band embarked on their inaugural tour of England. Sadly, Murcia died after ingesting a deadly mixture of drugs and alcohol. He was later replaced by Jerry Nolan.

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Early Rock Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (November 5, 2003) Bobby Hatfield / The Righteous Brothers

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Bobby Hatfield
August 10, 1940 – November 5, 2003

Bobby Hatfield was an American singer who gained fame as one half of the popular singing duo, the Righteous Brothers. He met fellow singer, Bill Medley while in college and together they began performing in the early ’60s. Their brand of “blue-eyed” soul was an immediate hit, landing them on the charts with such records as “Little Latin Lupe Lu,” “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” and of course, “Unchained Melody” which would enjoy a second life on the charts when it was featured in the 1990 film, Ghost. The duo broke up in 1968, but reformed to release one more hit single, 1974’s “Rock and Roll Heaven.” The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2003, and that was as good a reason as any to hit the road again. Six months later, while in Michigan for a show, Bobby Hatfield, 63, was found dead in his hotel room just prior to showtime. He had died of a heart attack brought on my the use of cocaine.

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Musician Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (November 5, 1997) Epic Soundtracks / The Swell Maps

themusicsover November 5, 2009 No Comments

Epic Soundtracks (Born Kevin Godfrey)
March 23, 1959 – November 5, 1997

epic

Epic Soundtracks is best remembered as a founding member of UK experimental noise band, the Swell Maps. Formed by Soundtracks and his brother, Nikki Sudden (real name, Adrian Godfrey), in 1972, the Swell Maps gained popularity only after the rise of punk, even though they weren’t a punk band. They had more in common with T. Rex and Can and laid the foundation for such future noise merchants as Husker Du and Sonic Youth. After the Swell Maps disbanded in 1980, Soundtracks went on to enjoy a modest solo career. During the ’90s, he collaborated with the likes of Evan Dando, J Mascis, Kim Gordon, and Lee Renaldo. On November 5, 1997, Epic Soundtracks, 37, was found dead in his bed. Cause of death was never determined.

Died On This Date (November 8, 2003) Guy Speranza / Riot

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Died On This Date (November 7, 1986) Tracy Pew / The Birthday Party

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Died On This Date (November 6, 1972) Bill Murcia / New York Dolls

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Died On This Date (November 5, 2003) Bobby Hatfield / The Righteous Brothers

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Died On This Date (November 5, 1997) Epic Soundtracks / The Swell Maps

What You Should Own

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