Died On This Date (February 3, 2017) Robert Dahlqvist / The Hellacopters
themusicsover Robert Dahlqvist
April 16, 1976 – February 3, 2017
Robert Dahlqvist is best remembered as the longtime guitarist for Swedish garage band, the Hellacopters. His tenure with the group ran from 1999 to 2008, and again for a recent live album set to come out at a later date. Born in Uddevalla, Sweden, Dahlqvist learned to play the guitar at a very young age. In 1999, he joined the Hellacopters who were already a popular band across Sweden and beyond. He played on their next several releases over the following decade. The Hellacopters built a loyal legion of fans worldwide due to their fiery loud-guitar, and pounding drum/bass sound that draws influence from the likes of KISS, the Ramones, MC5, and the Stooges, to name a few. While playing with the Hellacopters, Dahlqvist also found time for two side-project bands, Thunder Express and Dundertåget, two bands that were not sonically dissimilar to the Hellacopters. Robert Dahlqvist passed away on February 3, 2017. Cause of death was not immediately released. He was 40.
What You Should Own
Thomas Erdelyi, later to be more widely known by his stage name, Tommy Ramone, was the founding drummer for the highly influential rock band, the Ramones. Until he passed away, Erdelyi had been the last surviving member of the original foursome. Formed with former high school classmates, Douglas Colvin (
Alastair Donaldson is perhaps best remembered as the bassist – though under the moniker William Mysterious, for the Scottish punk/new wave band, the Rezillos. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Donaldson picked up the bass at an early age and in 1975, joined Silly Wizard, a folk band. He soon left the group to join the Rezillos, one of punk rock’s first generation bands. Initially working as the group’s saxophonist, Donaldson soon switched to bass. One Donaldson disciple, J Mascis once noted that his contributions to Can’t Stand The Rezillos could very well be the best bass playing ever from any recording from the storied Sire Records catalog. That album – the band’s first and only studio release – reached #16 on the UK charts and has been called one of the best 50 punk albums from the original era. The LP spawned three charting singles in England. Following its release, the Rezillos landed the opening slot for the Ramones UK tour after which, Donaldson left the group. The Rezillos broke up on 1978 but quickly regrouped with new members as the Revillos and released Rev Up in 1979. Donaldson played on that album put parted ways with the band for good in 1980. He went on to release one single under the name, William Mysterious with Alastair Donaldson, in 1982, but stayed semi-retired from music for the remainder of his life. Alastair Donaldson was 58 when he passed away on June 18, 2013. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Arturo Vega was a graphic designer who is best remembered for his 20+ years of creative service for the Ramones. Originally from Mexico, Vega emigrated to the United States during the ’70s, and settled in New York City. He soon became friends with the band and even let 
Ritchie Teeter was a rock drummer who made is mark playing behind the Dictators during some of the band’s glory years. With a sound and vibe that was not that far removed from the Ramones, MC5, the Stooges, or the New York Dolls, the Dictators built a dedicated following that remains loyal to this day. Teeter joined the band following the release of their first album, Go Girl Crazy, and can be heard playing on 1977’s Manifest Destiny and 1978’s Bloodbrothers. Both are considered essential for any respectable early New York punk collection. Teeter went on to play in Twisted Sister in late 1980/early 1981, but never appeared on any of their albums. He did participate in later Dictator reunion shows, though not much is known about his more recent life. It appears that Teeter retired from the business some time ago, or he at least kept a very low profile. Ritchie Teeter was 61 when he died of esophageal cancer on April 10, 2012.
