Died On This Date (April 5, 2012) Barney McKenna / The Dubliners

Bernard “Barney” McKenna
December 16, 1939 – April 5, 2012

Barney McKenna was an influential Irish musician who is best remembered as the banjo player in the legendary folk group, the Dubliners, since its formation in 1962.  He was, in fact, the only living original member up until the time of his death.  Formed by Ronnie Drew out of Friday night jam sessions at a Dublin pub, the Dubliners went on to become one of the most popular Irish folk groups of all time.  Their influence can be heard in such acts as Bob Dylan, the Pogues, Bruce Springsteen, Sinead O’Connor, U2, Dropkick Murphys, and Thin Lizzy.  A fan favorite on stage, McKenna often humored the crowds with colorful and sometimes not-so-true anecdotes between songs. The Dubliners had just finished a tour of the UK during the month prior to his passing, and McKenna gave his final public performance at a funeral the day before he died.  Barney McKenna was 72 when he passed away on April 5, 2012.  Cause of death was not immediately released.

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The Dubliners

Died On This Date (January 4, 1986) Phil Lynott / Thin Lizzy

Phil Lynott
August 20, 1949 – January 4, 1986

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Phil Lynott was the lead singer, bassist and primary songwriter for the popular ’70s Irish rock band, Thin Lizzy.   Formed in 1969, the band gained international fame during the mid ’70s with such rock hits as “The Boys are Back in Town,” “Jailbreak,” and “Dancing in the Moonlight (It’s Caught Me in its Spotlight).”  Their 1978 live album, Live and Dangerous sits alongside Frampton Comes Alive and Kiss Alive as one of the definitive albums of its generation and one of the best live rock albums of all time.  Lynott released a handful of solo albums beginning in 1980, the best of which being Solo in Soho.  Thin Lizzy called it quits in 1984.  On Christmas Day, 1985, Lynott collapsed in his home, and was brought to an area hospital where it was discovered he was suffering from a kidney and liver infection, a result of his drug and alcohol abuse.   He died while still in the hospital’s intensive care unit on two weeks later as a result of heart failure and pneumonia.  Phil Lynott was 36 when he passed away on January 4, 1986.

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Died On This Date (September 21, 2011) John Du Cann / Guitarist For Atomic Rooster

John Du Cann
1945 – September 21, 2011

John Du Cann was an English guitarist and singer who is most often acknowledged for his work with ’70s psych rock outfit, Atomic Rooster.   He also played in the Attack, the Sonics (UK), and Andromeda – all bands who were on the front end of the progressive rock movement.  Initially in Andromeda, Du Cann to join Atomic Rooster in 1970 to play guitar and sang lead.  The band soon released Death Walks Behind You which included the UK hit, “Tomorrow Night,” resulting in the album ultimately reaching #12 on the UK charts.  He took part in the band’s follow-up, In Hearing Of Atomic Rooster, but left shortly after its release only to briefly rejoin the band in 1980.  In 1974, Du Cann filled in on guitar for a Thin Lizzy tour of Germany.  He also recorded at least one solo album, 1977’s (but not released until 1992) The World’s Not Big Enough, which some have compared to a cross between Status Quo and the Sex Pistols.   In 1979, he scored a #33 UK hit with “Don’t Be A Dummy.”  As reported by Sea Of Tranquility, John Du Cann died of a suspected heart attack on September 21, 2011.  Depending upon your source, he was either 65 or 66.  Atomic Rooster’s Vincent Crane passed away in 1989.

Thanks David Plastik of eRockPhotos for the assist.

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Died On This Date (February 6, 2011) Gary Moore / Blues Rock Guitar Legend

Robert Gary Moore
April 4, 1952 – February 6, 2011

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Photo by David Plastik – Click To Order Quality Prints – Discount code: 10OFF

Gary Moore was an Irish guitarist and singer who, over a career that spanned over 40 years, became one of the most acclaimed electric blues guitarists the world has ever known.  Moore was just 14 years old when he decided to pick up the guitar, and even though he was left-handed, he quickly taught himself to play with his right.  His early influences included John Mayall, Albert King, and Jimi Hendrex, but it was Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac who first recognized his talent and tutored him whenever he came through Dublin.  In 1969, Moore joined Skid Row, a blues rock band that included Phil Lynott who would later gain fame with Thin Lizzy.  Over the years Moore played with a diverse who’s who of popular music.  That list includes George Harrison, G-Force, Ozzy Osbourne, Thin Lizzy, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Beach Boys, and Albert Collins.  He released his first solo album in 1973 and continued making albums up until as recently as 2008.  On February 6, 2011, Gary Moore died in his sleep while on vacation in Spain.  He was 58.

Thanks to Craig Rosen for the assist

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Still Got the Blues - Gary Moore

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Died On This Date (November 24, 2008) Michael Lee / Drummed For Robert Plant; Thin Lizzy

Michael Lee (Born Michael Pearson)
November 19, 1969 – November 24, 2008

Michael Lee was a respected English drummer who, after a short career as the with ’90s rock band, Little Angels, began recording and touring with many of the era’s greatest musicians.  His first gig of magnitude came in 1991 when he toured as part of the Cult’s band.  In 1993, he began working with Robert Plant on record and on tour.  That lead to a Led Zeppelin reunion of sorts when Plant began collaborating with Jimmy Page as Page and Plant.  While working with Plant, Lee co-wrote “Please Read the Letter” which won a Grammy for Plant and Alison Krauss in 2009.  Throughout his career, Lee also collaborated with a reconfigured Thin Lizzy, Quireboys, Lenny Kravitz, Ian Gillan, and Echo & The Bunnymen.  Michael Lee died of an epileptic seizure in his home at the age of 39.