King Nando (Born Fernando Rivera)
DOB Unknown – February 2, 2008
Fernando “King Nando” Rivera was a Latin musician who was instrumental in the growth of Latin boogaloo in the ’60s and ’70s. His “Fortuna” was an international hit in the mid ’60s. Rivera died in his sleep on February 2, 2008 at the age of 62.
Paul Baloff
April 25, 1960 – February 2, 2002
Paul Baloff is best remembered as a two-time lead singer of Exodus, a popular thrash metal band that was formed by Kirk Hammett, before he left to join Metallica. Baloff sang on the band’s 1982 Demo (which Hammett also played on), and Bonded By Blood. He was let go by the band in 1986, after which he sang for Hirax and Pirahna. He briefly fronted a reunited Exodus in 1997. On February 2, 2002, Paul Baloff died following a stroke. He was 41.
Chris Schlosshardt
September 30, 1964 – February 1, 1991
Chris Schlosshardt was the founding bassist for sleazy glam metal band, Sea Hags. Formed in San Francisco in 1985, the band quickly built a sizable following thanks, in part, to early gigs with the likes of Motorhead, the Ramones and the Cramps. They also made a good impression on several respected members within the music community. Metallica’s Kirk Hammet and Ian Astbury of the Cult offered their help to the band in those early days. In 1987, the band signed with Chrysalis Records who released their critically acclaimed debut the following year. Even with high-profile tours however, the record failed to click with buyers. Internal problems forced the band to break up in 1990. On February 11, 1991, Chris Schlosshardt was found dead of pneumonia. He was 26.
Richey James (Born Richey Edwards)
December 22, 1967 – February 1, 1995
Member of the 27 Club
Richey Edwards was a guitarist and songwriter for the Welsh alternative rock band, Manic Street Preachers. After graduating from the University of Wales in 1989, Edwards was hired by the Manics as a roadie. He quickly graduated to rhythm guitarist and unofficial spokesman for the band. He also became a primary songwriter for the group. Musically and lyrically, they have been compared to the Clash, U2 and Public Image, Ltd. Over the years, the group released several albums including the critically lauded Everything Must Go of 1996. On February 1, 1995, Richey Edwards simply vanished. Thirteen years later, on November 24, 2008, he was officially pronounced dead. Although no one knows for sure what date (if any) Edwards passed away, most sources have chosen February 1, 1995, the day he disappeared. He was 27 years old at the time.
Thanks for Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.
Dick James (Born Reginald Vapnick)
December 12, 1920 – February 1, 1986
Dick James was a London-born aspiring singer and musician who eventually owned his own record label and publishing company. Partnering with John Lennon and Paul McCartney in 1963, James formed Northern Songs to publish Lennon and McCartney’s music. George Harrison and Ringo Starr were signed on for a shot period as well. Gerry & the Pacemakers and Billy J. Kramer were also published by Northern Songs during the ’60s. In 1968, James sold the publishing company without offering the Beatles a chance to purchase their own catalog. This apparently drove a deep wedge between James and the group since they never again owned the rights to their own songs. During the ’70s, James established DJM Records, where he released the first recordings of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Dick James was 65 when he died of a heart attack on February 1, 1986.
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