Died On This Date (August 28, 2011) Tom Hibbert / Respected British Journalist
themusicsover Tom Hibbert
May 28, 1952 – August 28, 2011
Tom Hibbert was an English journalist who found fame for his sometimes less than flattering pieces on rock musicians throughout the ’80s and ’90s. After dropping out of Leeds University during the ’70s, Hibbert played in a handful of local bands before giving up his rock star dreams and moving on to a life in journalism. Over the course of his career, he wrote music and pop culture columns for the New Music News, Q, and Smash Hits where he ridiculed the likes of Paul McCartney, Johnny Rotten, and David Bowie. Perhaps his biggest moment came in 1987, when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher employed Hibbert to interview her in an attempt to appeal to young voters. The plan backfired as the interview revealed such decidedly non-hip nuggets as her favorite singer being Cliff Richard, and song being “How Much is That Doggie in the Window.” Hibbert spent the last decade of his life in ill health and ultimately died from complications of diabetes on August 28, 2011. He was 59.
Thanks to Kelly Wilson at New Releases Now! for the assist.
Johnny Giosa was a rock drummer from Los Angeles, CA (by way Pennsylvania) who is perhaps best remembered as a recent drummer for the revitalized ’80s metal band, BulletBoys. Over the course of his career, Giosa played with several other acts and still found time to model, act, and style hair, reportedly “for the stars.” During the early morning hours of August 28, 2011, Johnny Giosa was killed when his car swerved into a pillar along the 405 freeway. Cause of the accident was not immediately released. Giosa was 42.
Liz Meyer was an American born guitarist, singer, and songwriter who ultimately settled in the Netherlands and became one of the Europe’s most respected bluegrass artists. Born and raised in Washington DC, Meyer moved to the Netherlands in 1985. Over the course of her career, she released numerous albums and had her songs recorded by the likes of Del McCoury, Emmylou Harris, and Laurie Lewis. She was a tireless champion of the European bluegrass scene and produced upwards of 30 albums for others over the years. Her most recent album, The Storm features some of bluegrass and folk’s biggest names – Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, and Stuart Duncan to name a few. Liz Meyer was 59 when she died on August 26, 2011, after a long battle with cancer.