Died On This Date (May 9, 2012) Celso Chavez / Possum Dixon
themusicsover Celso Chavez
March 22, 1968 – May 9, 2012
Celso Chavez was the founding guitarist for ’90s pop/punk band, Possum Dixon. Formed in Los Angeles in 1989, Possum Dixon built a sizable following amongst fans of the blossoming Silver Lake scene. In 1993, the band signed to Interscope Records and went on to release such albums as Possum Dixon and Star Maps. Their video for “Watch the Girl Destroy Me” from their debut album found a welcome home at MTV. Their last album for Interscope, 1998’s New Sheets, was produced by Ric Ocasek. Celso Chavez was 44 when he died of complications from a staph infection on May 9, 2012.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
Benjamin Orr is best remembered as the bassist and co-lead singer of popular Boston new wave band, the Cars. Formed by Orr and Ric Ocasek in 1976, the band released a string of multi-platinum albums and hit singles that helped define ’80s pop music. They were also one of the early bands adopted by MTV. Orr sang lead on such hit singles as “Drive,” “Just What I Needed,” and “Let’s Go.” In 1986, he left the group and recorded his solo debut, The Lace, and then left the group the following year. Orr continued to record and perform live in various incarnations up until just a few months before his death. Benjamin Orr, age 53, died of pancreatic cancer on October 3, 2000.
