Died On This Date (January 2, 2012) Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt / Played With Iron Butterfly & Captain Beyond

Larry Reinhardt
July 7, 1948 – January 2, 2012

Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt was a psychedelic rock guitarist who is most often recognized for his time spent playing in both Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond.  Born and raised in Florida, Reinhardt began playing professionally during the mid ’60s.  His earliest bands of note were the Thunderbeats, the Load, and the Second Coming which also included Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, and Reese Wynans.  Betts and Oakley would later play in the Allman Brothers Band while Wynans would go on to play with Stevie Ray Vaughan.  In 1970, Reinhardt replaced Erik Brann in Iron Butterfly and played on their Metamorphosis album released that same year. The following year, he helped form Captain Beyond which would ultimately include Lee Dorman of Iron Butterfly, Bobby Caldwell of Rick Derringer and Johnny Winter fame, and Rod Evans who previously sang lead on such Deep Purple songs as “Hush.” The group released a handful of albums and built a sizable loyal cult following along the way.  Throughout the rest of his career, Reinhardt participated in Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond reunions while putting out a few albums of his own.  Reportedly suffering from multiple ailments, Larry Reinhardt passed away on January 2, 2012.  He was 63.

Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.

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Captain Beyond - Captain Beyond

Died On This Date (December 14, 2011) Ed Roman / World Renowned Guitar Maker

Ed Roman
DOB Unknown – December 14, 2011

Ed Roman was a fiercely independent Las Vegas guitar builder whose creations were lovingly played by Ted Nugent, John Entwistle, Billy Gibbons, Ace Frehley, and Rick Derringer, to name just a few.  Roman began playing the guitar as a youngster growing up in Connecticut where he found early inspiration in the Ventures.  He began building guitars in 1976 and eventually settled in Las Vegas where he opened his world famous guitar shop.  The list of faithful customers also includes Lita Ford, Leslie West, Keith Urban, and Marie Osmond.  Ed Roman was 61 when he passed away on December 14, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released, although he had reportedly been ill.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.



Died On This Date (September 2, 2003) Bruce Waibel / Firehouse, Allman Brothers

Bruce Waibel
July 9, 1964 – September 2,2003

Bruce Waibel was a rock bass guitarist who played for numerous bands, but most notably, the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, and Firehouse.  Basically a professional musician by the time he turned 13, Waibel began his career as a roadie for Gregg Allman who later added him to the band, first as guiarist then ultimately, their bassist.  Waibel also played with Rick Derringer and Stevie Ray Vaughan.   In 2000, he was invited to join Firehouse, with home he played for the next three years, when he left the band to spend more time with his family.  On September 2, 2003, Bruce Waibel was found dead in his home of an apparent suicide.



Died On This Date (July 24, 1972) Bobby Ramirez / Drummer For Edgar Winter

Bobby Ramirez
1949 – July 24, 1972

Bobby Ramirez was the drummer who worked with Rick Derringer, LaCroix and Edgar Winter’s White Trash.  It was while on tour with Winter in 1972, that the band were in Chicago on a tour with Uriah Heap that Ramirez found himself assaulted after an altercation in the mens room of the Rosemont Hall.  He died of head injuries after being kicked with steel-tipped shoes.