Died On This Date (October 8, 2013) Phil Chevron / Guitarist For The Pogues
themusicsover Phil Chevron (Born Philip Ryan)
June 17, 1957 – October 8, 2013
Phil Chevron was an Irish singer, songwriter and musician who was considered to be one of the most influential musicians in all of Irish punk rock. Born outside of Dublin, Chevron first gained exposure as a member of the Radiators From Space, widely regarded as Ireland’s first punk band. In 1984, Chevron joined the Pogues, initially as a temporary banjoist but soon moved over to guitar when leader, Shane MacGowan decided he wanted to focus more on singing. Chevron stayed in the band until leaving to focus on his health in 1994. During his first run with the Pogues, he played on their now legendary album, Rum, Sodomy and the Lash among others. He is also credited for writing the band’s iconic “Thousands Are Sailing.” During his break from the Pogues, Chevron reformed the Radiators From Space and released the critically acclaimed LP, Trouble Pilgrim. In 2001, he rejoined the Pogues and stayed on board until the time of his passing. In 2004, in the unofficial capacity of lead spokesman for the band, Chevron oversaw the reissues of the Pogues entire back catalog. In 2007, it was announced that he was suffering from esophageal cancer. The following year, believing he had beaten it, Chevron joined the band for a US tour. In May of 2013, the cancer returned with a vengeance and ultimately took his life on October 8, 2013. He was 56.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.
What You Should Own
Pat Fear is best remembered as the singer and guitarist for the influential Los Angeles-area punk band, White Flag. Formed in 1982 as a sort of antithesis to the angrier local punk outfits, White Flag members took on the parodiable monikers of Jello B. Affro, Mike Mess, and of course, Pat Fear. The band released two seminal albums over the next couple of years, R is for Rocket and S is for Space while performing countless shows throughout California. Over the next three decades, the band released more than a dozen albums as well as numerous EPs and singles. Throughout the band’s run, its lineup included several members who went on to play in other notable bands. The list includes Jim Laspesa (The Muffs, Dave Davies, Bob Cowsill), Greg Hetson (Redd Kross, Circle Jerks), Steven Shane McDonald (Redd Kross), Kim Shattuck (The Muffs, The Pandoras), Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), Eric Erlandson (Hole), A lifelong fan of music, Fear was known to lend his support and even champion other up-and-coming musicians and bands. Two of his early favorites were Os Mutantes and Shonen Knife, both of whom he helped bring to the United States for their first American tours. During breaks from White Flag, Fear worked as a police reservist and bull rider. On September 24, 2013, Pat Fear was found dead in his home at the age of 52. Although his death came as a surprise, reports indicate that he had been in ill health in recent years. Initial coroner findings attribute his death the natural causes.
Tompall Glaser was one of the original so-called “outlaws” of country music. Alongside the likes of Willie Nelson, 
Eydie Gormé was an American vocalist who, with her longtime husband and singing partner, Steve Lawrence, made some of the most popular recordings of the mid-20th century. Born in New York City, Gormé made her first record fronting the Tommy Tucker Orchestra in 1950. During her early years, Gormé worked with several big bands including that of the great Tex Beneke. In 1953, she appeared on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen, which kicked her career into high gear. She also met Lawrence who was also booked on the show that day. The couple went on to become one of Las Vegas’ must enduring live acts while making countless television appearances and numerous albums. She and Lawrence were presented with a Grammy in 1957 and Gormé earned a second one in 1967. Throughout her career, she released some 50 singles – solo and with Lawrence – many of which charted. Her most popular recording was 1962’s “Blame It On The Bossa Nova.” Gormé began blogging on her website in 2006 and continued to perform until she retired in 2009. Eydie Gormé was 84 when she passed away on August 10, 2013. 
