Died On This Date (July 20, 2013) Faye Hunter / Founding Bassist For Let’s Active
themusicsover Faye Hunter
DOB Unknown – July 20, 2013
Faye Hunter is perhaps best remembered as the original bassist for influential jangle pop band, Let’s Active. Formed by Mitch Easter in 1981, the band, which also included Sara Romweber on drums, played their first gig opening for their friends, R.E.M., before becoming a college radio and critic darlings. Their first video, “Every Word Means No,” became a moderate hit on MTV and helped pave the road for college rock and what would become known as indie rock. Hunter played on the band’s first three releases, Afoot (1983), Cypress (1984), and Big Plans For Everybody (1986) before departing. Other acts with whom Hunter collaborated included Marshall Crenshaw, Chris Stamey, and the Windbreakers. She contributed to a Let’s Active tribute album in 2003. Faye Hunter was 59 when she reportedly took her own life on July 20, 2013.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
Tom Ardolino is best remembered as the long time drummer for influential rock outfit, NRBQ. Formed in 1967, the band has built a legion of loyal fans thanks to its ability to marry elements of jazz, rock, and blues, and for its raucous live shows. NRBQ loyalists include Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Costello. In 1974, Ardolino was asked to join the band as a replacement original drummer, Tom Staley. He had first been a dedicated fan and swapped live concert tapes with band co-founder, Terry Adams. Ardolino continued on with the group until they took a break in 2004. He participated in occasional band reunions in later years. Ardolino can be heard playing on such NRBQ classics as Scraps, All Hopped Up, and Grooves In Orbit. Outside of NRBQ, he played on albums by the likes of Marshall Crenshaw, Jerry Lee Lewis, and NRBQ band mate, Al Anderson. On his own, Ardolino released Unknown Brain in 2004. Tom Ardolino passed away from health related issues on January 6, 2012. He was 56.