Died On This Date (July 7, 2012) Dennis Flemion / The Frogs; Smashing Pumpkins
themusicsover Dennis Flemion
June 6, 1955 – July 7, 2012
Keyboardist Dennis Flemion, along with his brother Jimmy Flemion made up the Milwaukee, Wisconsin lo-fi duo, the Frogs. Formed in 1980, the band wrote and performed short pop songs that tended to invite controversy for their lyrical themes dealing with homoerotica, race, and religion. Although they never really broke out of their cult status, that cult was very loyal and included some of rock music’s most influential figures. During the early to mid ’90s, the Frogs were invited to open for the likes of Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, and Mudhoney. Kurt Cobain was said to be a big fan as well. Flemion appeared on three Smashing Pumpkins songs from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and Adore. In 1996 and 1997, after the death of Pumpkins touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin, Flemion was invited to fill in for him on the road. On July 7, 2012, Dennis Flemion was boating with his family on Wind Lake in Racine County, Wisconsin. During the afternoon, Flemion went for a swim but never resurfaced. His body was recovered three days later in water that was 42 feet deep. He was 57.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.
What You Should Own
Andy Kotowicz was a beloved music industry executive who is best known for his many years working at indie giant, Sub Pop Records. At the time of his passing, Kotowicz was the Vice President of Sales and Director of Marketing. He also dabbled in A&R, bringing such acts as Mudhoney and Pissed Jeans to the label. Prior to Sub Pop, Kotowicz worked briefly at Spongebath Records. Kotowicz was involved in a car accident on October 21st, 2010 after which he was taken to a local hospital where he was placed on life support. His young daughter, who was also in the car, was pulled to safety. On October 23, Andy Kotowicz was taken off life support and passed away from injuries sustained in the accident. He was 37 years old.
