Died On This Date (October 7, 2010) Ian Morris / Popular New Zealand Musician; Co-founded Th’Dudes
themusicsover Ian Morris
DOB Unknown – October 7, 2010
Ian Morris was a respected musician, songwriter and producer from New Zealand. He is perhaps best remembered as the founding guitarist for early ’80s new wave band, Th’ Dudes. Formed in the late ’70s while the band mates were in college, Th’ Dudes quickly built a sizable following thanks in part to their catchy pop sound that has been compared to the likes of Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. In 1979, the band were named New Zealand’s Group of the Year. The band experienced a resurgence in popularity during the ’90s and again in the mid 2000s, prompting them to reunite and tour from time to time. Outside of Th’ Dudes, Morris earned his living by writing commercial jingles and producing others. He also successfully recorded under the moniker, Tex Pistol. On October 7, 2010, 53-year-old Ian Morris died suddenly and unexpectedly. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Steve Lee was the founding lead singer of Swiss metal band, Gotthard. Formed in 1992, the band has sold over two million albums and has seen 11 of their releases reach #1 on the Swiss charts. By most accounts, they are one of the most successful rock bands in Switzerland’s history, the other of course, being Krokus. Gotthard’s sound has been compared to that of Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, and Deep Purple, while Lee’s voice was as strong as any ’80s and ’90s power balladeer. While on a holiday motorcycle tour of the United States, Lee and his group pulled off a Nevada highway to change into rain gear. Shortly thereafter, in what was ruled an accident by local authorities, a truck driver lost control of his vehicle which then crashed into one of the parked bikes, sending it direclty into Lee. Steve Lee died from injuries sustained in the accident. He was 47.
Mark Sheehan was the original bassist and eventual lead singer for Boston area hardcore band, Out Cold. Formed in 1989, the band built a sizable regional fan base while releasing numerous albums and singles. A multi-instrumentalist and occasional producer, Sheehan also collaborated with several other artists over the years, most notably CJ Ramone and the late 
John Hanson was the sound man, roadie and sometime rhythm guitarist for Washington DC new wave band, the Slickee Boys. Formed in the mid ’70s, the Slickee Boys soon became heroes of the local underground scene. Hanson was just 16 years old when he went to work for the band as the decade was drawing to a close. Besides acting as the band’s roadie and sound man while on the road, Hanson filled in on rhythm guitar, taking over the slot officially in 1988. The band broke up, for the most part, in 1991 after which Hanson played in such groups as the Septic Twins, the Zones, and the Upsetters. He also worked the soundboard at the legendary DC venue, the 9:30 Club. John Hanson reportedly committed suicide on September 24, 2010. He was 47.
Leonard Skinner was a Jacksonville, Florida high school gym teacher who, during the late 1960s sent a group of his students to the principal’s audience for wearing their hair too long. A few years later, those school friends,