Died On This Date (May 12, 2014) H.R. Giger / Created Iconic Album Covers

Hans Rudolf Giger
February 5, 1940 – May 12, 2014

hr-gigerPerhaps best known for bringing the Alien  creature to life for the film of the same name, H.R. Giger also made a considerable contribution to pop music as well.  A surrealist painter born in Graubünden, Switzerland, Giger grew up to be one of the most revered if not controversial artists of his time.  He was awarded an Academy Award for Best Achievement for Visual Effects as part of the team who created 1979’s Alien.  Throughout his career, Giger also created some of the most visually stimulating album covers in rock history – the kind you couldn’t take your eyes off of as you listened to the album.  That list includes Emerson, Lake & Palmer‘s Brain Salad SurgeryDeborah Harry‘s Koo Koo, Danzig‘s Danzig III: How The Gods Kill, Triptykon‘s Melana Chamata, as well as the notorious poster inside the Dead Kennedy‘s Frankenchrist which lead to an obscenity trial.  He was also commissioned to design an occasional microphone stand and guitar based on his artwork.  H.R. Giger was 74 when he died while being hospitalized after falling down the stairs in his home.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

What You Should Own

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Click to find at amazon.com



Died On This Date (May 21, 2008) Michelle Meldrum / Guitarist for Meldrum, Phantom Blue

Michelle Meldrum
September 28, 1968 – May 21, 2008

Michelle Meldrum was a hard rock guitarist who was in Phantom Blue and her own Meldrum.  Born in Detroit, Meldrum moved with her family to Los Angeles when she was 13.  It was around that time that she picked up the guitar.  It was only a matter of time before Meldrum formed her first band, Wargod, followed by Phantom Planet, an all-girl metal band that she co-founded.  The band was signed to Shrapnel Records and later, Geffen Records.   The band became very popular with metal fans thanks in part to tours with Black Label Society, Sepultura and Danzig.   On May 16, 2008, Michelle Meldrum fell into an unexpected coma due to a cerebral hemorrhage.  She died three days later due to a cystic growth on her brain.  She was 39.

What You Should Own

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