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.
Nancy Spungen was just 17 when she left her Southeast Pennsylvania home for New York City to follow her true passion, punk rock. She quickly became immersed in the city’s growing underground scene, gravitating toward bands like the New York Dolls, the Heartbreakers, and the Ramones. Two years later, she moved to London where she met the Sex Pistols. After reportedly being rejected by the band’s singer, Johhny Rotten, Spungen set her sites on bassist, 