Died On This Date (August 8, 2011) Eric Stevenson / Drummer For Only Living Witness
themusicsover Eric Stevenson
DOB Unknown – August 8, 2011
Eric Stevenson was a founding member and drummer for Boston, Massachusetts area metal/hardcore band, Only Living Witness. Formed in 1989, the band self-released a handful of demos before being signed by respected metal label, Century Media who released their acclaimed debut, Prone Mortal Form in 1993. Then band went on to tour the world and the label released a follow-up, but only after the group had already split up in 1995. Only Living Witness reunited for a handful of shows in 2008. Prior to his tenure with the band, Stevenson played in Formicide. In early 2011, Eric Stevenson learned he was suffering from melanoma which ultimately took his life on August 8, 2011. He was 46.
What You Should Own
Joe Yamanaka was a singer who is perhaps best remembered as the lead vocalist for Japanese prog rock group, Flower Travellin’ Band. Formed as a cover band in 1968, their intent was to introduce Japanese audiences to the sounds of such western rock artists as Jefferson Airplane, Cream and 
Mike Reaves was a guitarist in alternative metal band, Full Devil Jacket. Formed as Voodoo Hippies in Jackson, Tennessee, the band changed its name to Full Devil Jacket just before being signed to Island Records during the late ’90s. The band went on to release an EP and their self-titled full length debut which quickly went gold. The band was a popular live draw and toured with the likes of Creed, Stone Temple Pilots, and Type O Negative. Following his departure from Full Devil Jacket, Reaves played with Travisty and collaborated with 3 Legged Dog, Jasmine Cain and Randy Lovelace. During the spring of 2010, Reaves was diagnosed with prostate cancer which ultimately took his life on July 25, 2011. He was 52.
Dan Peek is perhaps best remembered as a member of popular soft-rock band America between 1970 and 1977 – the group’s most successful period. While in the band which also included Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, Peek played guitar, bass, and keyboards, and sang back up on such hits as “Sandman,” “A Horse With No Name,” and “Ventura Highway.” As a songwriter, he contributed such charting singles as “Lonely People,” “Don’t Cross The River,” and “Today’s The Day.” In 1977, Peek left the group to pursue a solo a career, being one of Christian rock’s earliest successes. His first single, “All Things Are Possible,” reached #1 on the Contemporary Christian charts, and by landing on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts, became one of Christian rock’s first crossover hits. Although Peek never officially reunited with America, Bunnell and Beckley did sing on his solo debut, and he occasionally joined them on stage throughout the years. Peek all but retired from music during the ’90s, releasing a sporadic album or collaborating with others here and there. In recent years, he released new recordings via his website. Dan Peek was 60 when he passed away on July 24, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released.
