Rock music rocked by nearly 100 deaths in 2026. What we know about the stunning trend

If it feels like it has been a rough couple of weeks for the rock music world, well ... that is because it has been.Really though, it has been a rough year for rock and its fans, and if you don’t believe it just take a look at the list of those lost. More than 75 artists — some young and just starting out, others downright legendary, and some unheralded — have died in 2026.The following is a look at some of those who have been lost:STEVE ALMAASAlmaas, a founding member of the punk band Suicide Commandos, died on June 5 after battling cancer. He was 69. “Our pal Steve passed this afternoon after a long hard battle with cancer,” the band shared on social media. “Our hearts go out to Steve’s sister Janet and Judy, Daughter Solveig and TJ, Grandkids Sully and Loa, and Steve’s Dear Angel Brandy. Love to all.”Almaas shared the news in March on Facebook that his cancer had returned. “Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag,” he wrote. “Last September doctors discovered a mass on my tongue along with cancer in a lymph node on my neck. I spent fall into winter undergoing chemotherapy radiation. The good news is that the treatment seemed to clear up the trouble in my mouth and neck. The bad news is that they discovered more trouble in my spine.”Almaas wrote then that he was “about to do another round of radiation and chemotherapy.”“Hopefully, that will take care of everything, and the cancer will go and never darken my towels again,” he wrote. “I wake up every day thankful for the love and support I’ve received and friends. I am humble and grateful.”Parade called the Suicide Commandos a “pioneering Minneapolis punk band.”The band released two 7-inch EPs and an album during its first run together from 1975-1980.Parade noted that Almaas formed a band called the Crackers after the Suicide Commandos split. He later released six solo albums before the Suicide Commandos reformed.The band released a new album, “Time Bomb,” in 2017. That was its first album in 38 years. Parade said that Almaas also worked as a schoolteacher in Beacon, New York.BRAD ARNOLD Arnold, the beloved frontman for 3 Doors Down, died on Feb. 7.He was 47.Arnold announced last year that he was battling stage 4 cancer that had spread to his lungs. The band announced Arnold’s death on social media Saturday.“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47,” a statement on the band’s Instagram page read. “With his beloved wife and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after a courageous battle with cancer. “As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the statement continued. “Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, ‘Kryptonite,’ which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.”The lengthy statement then got into Arnold’s family.“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” it continued. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”When Arnold announced his cancer diagnosis last year he shared that it had spread to his lungs, and asked fans to pray for him.He did have one long update on the social media a short time after.“We were formed with the same breath indeed with the same force that formed all that we’ve ever known, all that is,” he wrote in a recent Instagram post. “We were …. YOU WERE formed with the same attention to detail and individuality that were given to the oceans above and the oceans below. Never EVER doubt that you have a purpose. Well, what is my purpose you ask … to worship God. Put God first instead of your feelings, even your well being, and watch god’s purpose for your life spring to life.“Also, a lot of folks asked how I was doing the other day,” he continued. “I’m doin’ great fam! Almost every day, I feel a little better. Things seem to be going great. Thank you for every prayer you have all prayed. With so much faith behind me and my own faith within me, I have no doubt of the outcome of this fight. God will continue to fight this (battle) for me … and God doesn’t fail. I love y’all.”Arnold first shared the news of his diagnosis in May.“I’ve got some not-so-good news for you today,” he said in a video shared to the band’s Instagram. “So I got sick a couple of weeks ago, and then I went to the hospital and got checked out and had actually got the diagnosis that I had clear cell renal carcinoma that had metastasized into my lung. And it’s Stage 4, and that’s not real good.“But you know what?” Arnold continued. “We serve a mighty God, and he can overcome anything. So I have no fear. I really, sincerely am not scared of it at all. But it is gonna force us to cancel our tour this summer, and we’re sorry for that.”RAJA AZREENAzreen, the drummer for the popular group Meditasi, left fans stunned when he collapsed and died during a show.He was 56.According to reports, the band was playing the rock festival Teruntum in Kuantan, Pahang on July 18, when he collapsed and died. The incident took place during the second song of the band’s set, according to Suggest.com.The band’s lead singer, Bakaruddin Daud, said he saw Azreen fall into his drum kit. Daud said he helped get Azreen backstage, but Azreen was already “cold to the touch,” according to the report. Daud said that Azreen had recently been diagnosed with diabetes but “looked and sounded great during rehearsals,” according to Suggest. The band was founded in 1984 under the name Metal Wizard and found fame in the 1990s. The band changed its name to Meditasi to get away from its metal image at the time. It now focuses more on a melodic rock sound.Meditasi has released three studio albums. The first was its self-titled release in 1990. The last, “Demi Rindu,” was released in 1995. The band also released “Bidadari” in 1991 and “Realisma” in 1992. It is known for songs such as “Biar Pedih Kasih Memanjang,” “Bidadari,” “Hukuman Pada Pesona,” and “Demi Rindu Kita.”Azreen joined Meditasi around the time that it released its debut album. He replaced Atan behind the drum kit. The band reportedly plans to continue on following Azreen’s tragic death. BILLY BASS Bass, a founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic, died on Jan. 31.He was 75.According to Ultimate Classic Rock, George Clinton’s Facebook page first announced in error that Bass died on Jan. 26. “We have now received official confirmation,” a post to the page read on Sunday. “Rest in eternal peace and Funk, Billy Bass Nation (January 28th, 1951—January 31st, 2026), bassist/guitarist for Parliament-Funkadelic.”Bass, whose real name is William Nelson, died just three days after his birthday. News quickly spread across social media with the SoulTracks account on X calling Bass “a music legend.”“Rest In Power & Peace to Billy Bass who passed last night while in hospice,” Vernon Reid wrote on X. “He was on bass at Madison Square Garden back in 1973.”The NoTreble account on X called Bass “a key architect of early P-Funk.” “His bass lines and vision helped push funk into new territory,” the account wrote. Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Bass worked for Clinton at a barbershop as a teenager. The outlet said Clinton then recruited Bass into his vocal group, the Parliaments, and gave Bass credit for helping write their first hit single, “(I Wanna) Testify.”The outlet noted that Bass performed on Parliament-Funkadelic’s three biggest albums — “Funkadelic,” “Free Your Mind … and Your Ass Will Follow,” and “Maggot Brain.”Billy Bass was a native of Plainfield, New Jersey. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic.FRANK BEARD Beard, the drummer for ZZ Top for more than five decades, died on Aug. 17.He was 77. Entertainment Weekly reported that Beard died in hospice. The site said he was surrounded by family. “Today, (ZZ Top guitar tech and bassist Elwood Francis) and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great true son of Texas,” ZZ Top founder Billy Gibbons said. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”Beard’s death comes just weeks after he stepped away from touring to treat an undisclosed illness. “Shelter Music Group, ZZ Top’s management, has announced the band’s drummer, Mr. Frank Beard, has temporarily stepped away from the current tour to attend to a health issue requiring his focus in the near term,” a statement from the band said at the time. “Beard, along with Fellow ZZ Top members Billy F Gibbons and Elwood Francis, presently on the Elevation tour since March 5, have engaged fellow Texan and longtime tech member, percussionist, and drummer, John Douglas for the interim.”Beard was sadly never able to return to the stage.Entertainment Weekly reported that ZZ Top cancelled its tour dates in Salt Lake City on Tuesday and in Colorado Springs on Wednesday following Beard’s death.The band is slated to resume this weekend, at Austin City Limits, according to Entertainment Weekly. Beard joined ZZ Top in May 1969, and was a part of the band’s debut album, “ZZ Top’s First Album,” in 1971. He helped the band sell more than 50 million albums worldwide, and in 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. ZZ Top also set a Guiness world record in 2018 for the longest-running band with no lineup changes. ANDY BICKERS Bickers, the longtime saxophonist for the rock group Cold Chisel, died on July 10.He was 56. The band shared the news of his death on social media.“Our much-loved sax player of more than 30 years, Andy Bickers, passed away this morning after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” the post on Instagram read. “Andy was our brother: an incredible musician and a great person to be out on the road or out on the town with. His valuable contribution onstage to songs like Rising Sun, Saturday Night and My Baby will be sorely missed. Our hearts break for his wife Lisa and his son Rudy.”Fans were quick to respond with love.“Condolences,” one person replied. “Was great to see him perform live so many times.”“Sad news,” another wrote. “Rest in peace Andy. Thank you for the music.”“Sorry to hear of the loss,” another wrote. “What a soundtrack and legacy to leave behind. We will always remember Andy forever!”Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes also shared a statement about Bickers.“Andy also toured many times with me, playing soul and rock shows,” he wrote. “We were friends not only because he was a great player but he was funny, intelligent, and most importantly, he was a good man.”Rolling Stone reported that Bickers also toured with Midnight Oil, Silverchair, the Eagles, Don Henley and Diesel. “Vale much loved sax players for the Oils and so many other artists — Andy Bickers — who left us today after a long illness,” Midnight Oil shared in a post on Instagram. “Our thoughts are with his wife Lisa and son Rudy.”GREG BROWNBrown, a founding member and guitarist for the popular rock group Cake, died on Feb. 5.The band shared the news on social media. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Greg Brown’s passing after a brief illness,” the statement on the band’s page read. “Greg was an integral part of CAKE’s early sound and development. His creative contributions were immense, and his presence — both musical and personal — will be deeply missed. Godspeed, Greg.”Brown’s age has not been reported. Brown is credited with playing on Cake’s albums “Motorcade of Generosity” and “Fashion Nugget.” He left the band in 1998 and joined the band Deathray and also played in Homie along with Rivers Cuomo.Brown played with Cake again on its 2011 album, “Showroom of Compassion.”Brown also released a solo EP in 2023. He founded Cake in 1991 in Sacramento, California along with singer John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, drummer Frank French and bass player Shon Meckfessel. The band has released six albums, the last of which was “Showroom of Compassion.”The news of Brown’s death comes on a brutal day for fans of 1990 rock and alt-rock as 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold also died at 47 after a battle with stage 4 cancer that had spread to his lungs.3 Doors Down also announced Arnold’s death on social media.“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47,” a statement on the band’s Instagram page read. “With his beloved wife and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after a courageous battle with cancer.“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the statement continued. “Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, ‘Kryptonite,’ which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.”The lengthy statement then got into Arnold’s family.“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” it continued. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected.“He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”MIKE BROWNING Browning, best known as a drummer and vocalist for the bands Morbid Angel and Nocturnus, died on July 13.He was 62.Morbid Angel paid tribute to him in a post on Instagram.“R.I.P. Mike, thanks for helping making all this happen,” the post read. “Our condolences to his family & especially his daughter.”Profound Lore records also paid tribute in an Instagram post.“RIP death metal legend/sci-fi death metal godfather Mike Browing of Nocturnus/Nocturnus AD,” that statement read. “Journey beyond the gateway to the outer void!”Browning played with Morbid Angel from 1984 thought 1986 and then joined Nocturnus. He was with that band until he was fired in 1993. He joined the band After Death later, and in 2008 he released a solo album, “Mike Browning’s Inner Workings — Trancemissions.”“RIP Mike Browning,” a post on the Rhythm of Fear Facebook page read. “An absolute legend and inspiration to us. His sonic imprint and contribution to heavy music will live on forever. This man helped create the greatest death metal band on earth, Morbid Angel. And many other killer projects like Nocturnus, After Death and Acheron. Thank you Mike.’“Death metal has lost one of its most important pioneers,” Vinyl Records 666 posted on Facebook. “I had the privilege of meeting Mike Browning in November 2014, when I traveled to Berlin to see Nocturnus perform at the Nuclear War Now Festival. Before their set, Mike was standing among the crowd, simply enjoying the music with everyone else. He was kind, humble, and genuinely approachable. The Nocturnus show alone made the entire trip worthwhile. An intense, high-energy performance that kicked off with The Key in its entirety, followed by Incubus tracks, and closed with Morbid Angel classics. A night I’ll never forget.“It’s strange how the passing of someone you’ve never personally known can still feel like a real loss,” the post continued. “But when an artist who helped shape the very foundations of the music that has been such a huge part of your life is gone, it hits your musical heart in a way that’s hard to explain. Rest in peace, Mike. Thank you for laying some of the most important musical cornerstones of my life. Your legacy will live on. R.I.P Mike Browning.”DERRY BROWNSONBrownson, a founding member and keyboardist for the band EMF, died on Aug. 13.He was 55.The band shared the news on its Facebook page.“Late last night we started to hear the news that we have lost our Brother In Arms Derran Brownson,” the statement read. “We are devastated; the only solace we can find is that we are eternally grateful Derry was able to join us on stage a couple times just a few short months back. “Nothing will ever be the same again without our band mate and friend, fly high brother Derry.”Steve Brownson also shared the news of Derry’s death.“He was a much-loved brother, uncle, son and friend, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him and loved him,” he wrote on Facebook. “Derry had a beautiful and gifted soul lighting the space around him with love, energy and kindness. He fought bravely for so long, sticking up a middle finger to his assailant! He played one last gig in Bristol this year as a thank you to his fans. “Our family is heartbroken and would really appreciate some privacy and kindness as we come to terms with this terrible loss,” he added. “We are so very proud to have shared his wonderful life’s journey with him. More will be shared when we are ready.”Parade Magazine reported that Bronson revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2025 and had surgery to remove part of it. He continued to perform with EMF when his health allowed. He helped former EMF in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, in 1989. The band has released five albums, with the last, “The Beauty and the Chaos,” coming in 2024.PHIL CAMPBELL Campbell, best known for his work as a longtime guitarist for Motorhead, died on March 13. His death was caused after he suffered complications following a major surgery.Campbell joined Motorhead in 1984 and was with the band for 31 years. He left when the band disbanded in 2015 following the death of frontman Lemmy.Campbell formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons along with his sons Todd, Dane and Tyla, following his time with Motorhead. The group released the albums “The Age of Absurdity” and “King of the Asylum.”FREDDY CANNONCannon, a talented rock and pop star who even had a hand in some R&B music, was 89.Billboard reported that Cannon died on July 17 in a hospice facility in California. Tom Cuddy of iHeart radio was a longtime friend of Cannon’s. Billboard said that Cuddy said Cannon died after a short battle with cancer. Cannon’s musical background was as successful as it was varied.He played guitar for the R&B group the G-Clefs on their ”Ka-Ding Dong” record, which made it to No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1956.Cannon also had a long list of successful singles that charted. The first of those was 1959’s “Tallahassee Lassie” which made it to No. 6 on the pop charts. He had another hit that year — “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” — which made it to No. 3. He delivered another chart success in 1962 with “Palisades Park” which also made it to No. 3 on the charts. Cannon released 16 albums. The first of those was “The Explosive Freddy Cannon” which came out in 1960. The last was “Boom Boom Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Best of Freddy Cannon” which was released in 2009.He was nicknamed “Boom Boom” because of the pounding drums that accompanied his hits.Friends and fans took to social media to remember Cannon after the news of his death.“Rock and Roll has lost one of its true pioneers,” Johnny Rock and Roll Radio wrote on Facebook. “My friend, my mentor — the man that taught me how to play HARD on every show — The legend and true Rocker of his generation passed away last night,” Gerry Rockey Seader wrote on Facebook. “Freddy ‘Boom Boom’ Cannon. I loved him more than anyone could now and he loved me and my 2 daughters. All the shows for over 45 years around the world. I would not be the drummer and person I am without his influence. Thank you my friend for all the great songs you recorded and your friendship. I will miss you. My heart is broken. God be with you Freddy and say hello to Jeannette in heaven, you are now with her for eternity in paradise.”“What a sad day — our dear friend Freddy ‘Boom Boom’ Cannon has passed away,” Rich Koz, who plays Svengoolie on television, wrote. “From the time we got a cold call from him saying he loved our show and had written a song about me to becoming good friends and spending time with him on and off stage, his talent, personality, and kindness will be missed.”JUSTIN CARYSixpence None the Richer cancelled the remainder of its tour dates for the year following the death of longtime bassist Cary.Cary, 50, died on June 18 after suffering a stroke. “We are completely heartbroken over the tragic and untimely loss of our bandmate, brother-in-arms, and friend for 30 years, Justin Cary,” a statement on the band’s Instagram page read. “The past three years had been full of international tours, recording new music and an even further deepening of the joy of making music together.“We were looking forward to connecting with new and old fans around the world this summer and fall, but for now we need time to be still and grieve,” the statement added. “With heavy hearts, we are cancelling all remaining tour dates for 2026.”The band added even more thoughts in the caption.“Hundreds of pictures. Thousands of memories, 30 years worth,” that read. “Thank you, Justin. There’ll never be another you, sir. No one could pack a suitcase better or make us laugh harder. We don’t know what is ahead, we never do, really. But for now, we must grieve our brother. Prayers are welcome for us all, especially his beautiful wife, Linda. We love you all so much and will see you again.”Fans and friends were quick to respond with love. “He was the best of the best,” singer Stephen Wilson Jr. replied. “You are an angel, birdy. He is and would be proud of you and Matt.”“Love and big heartfelt hugs to all of you,” Jerry Dale McFadden wrote. “There was no one like him.”“This group of people is so loved,” another wrote. “He will be missed. Your music is the best remedy in our lives.”Sixpence None the Richer formed in 1992 and is known for hits such as “Kiss Me,” ““Breathe Your Name,” and “There She Goes.”WAYNE CHARVELCharvel, who died on July 12, was 85.He did not play the notes that music fans love, but he very well might have designed the instrument that did. Guitar World called Charvel a “visionary guitar maker whose namesake brand changed the guitar industry.”His obituary on DignityMemorial.com said he “dedicated more than 50 years to crafting exceptional instruments that were played and cherished by musicians around the world.“Beyond his remarkable craftsmanship, he was a devoted father, grandfather, family member, and friend,” the post continued. “He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, wisdom, and his great sense of humor. His greatest legacy is not only the beautiful guitars he built, but also the love, values, and inspiration he shared with everyone around him. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. His impact in the music world, and his loving spirit will live on for generations.”Guitar World said that “few luthiers have had the same impact on the guitar scene as Charvel.”He founded the Charvel guitar brand in 1974 after spending three years working for Fender. The brand rose to fame in the 1980s as it produced guitars for artists including Eddie Van Halen, W.A.S.P.’s Gary Moore, Ratt’s Warren DeMartini, Ozzy Osbourne’s Jake E. Lee, Twisted Sister’s Eddie Ojeda, and Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora. Guitar World said that Charvel’s name “continues to be associated with some of guitar’s most iconic instruments and players.”KEVIN CHOWNChown, a bassist known for his work with Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbeats, Sebastian Bach, Steelheart, Targa and Artension, died on July 6.He was 56. Chown died at his home in Escanaba, Michigan, after battling bladder cancer,according to the obituary shared on his Facebook page. “He was a brilliant musician and an even better human being,” the obit read. “Since his passing, he is being widely remembered for his exceptional talent but also for his kindness, gentle heart, words of encouragement, positive attitude, humbleness and loyalty to his friends.“Kevin spent his career traveling the world playing bass guitar on some of the biggest stages, at some of the largest music festivals in Europe and at famous music venues and clubs,” it continued. “A first-rate musician whose talent knew no boundaries, he navigated effortless within progressive rock, heavy metal, funk, R&B, jazz and classical.”Chown graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in jazz studies. He went on to perform with such acts as Ted Nugent, Uncle Kracker and Chuck Berry. His friends and fans shared their love for him on his Facebook page.“So very sorry to hear about Kevin’s passing,” Deborah Scott Hammons wrote. “He was a great guy, full of kindness and enthusiasm, as well as a wonderful musician. He will be greatly missed. I feel blessed for the joy of making music with him years ago.”“Thank you for everything you’ve done for Escanaba,” Michelle Loper wrote. “What a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with all of us.”“RIP Kevin, you were such a kind hearted soul and such a huge talent,” Heater Christian Manley wrote. “My condolences to the family,” Iris Verdant wrote. “I admired his work with Tarja Turunen I’m really happy that I was able to see him live. God bless him and his whole family to recover about this (loss).”JEFF CONOLLYConolly, best known for his work as the frontman for The Lyres and DMZ, died on July 31.He was 69.BrooklynVegan.com reported that he had been battling bladder cancer at the time of his death. The site called him a “Boston music legend” and reaction across social media showed that he was certainly appreciated.“It’s not the biggest shock, but, yet, it is: Lyres, singer-songwriter-keyboardist Jeff Conolly has left the planet earth at age 69,” write Jim Sullivan posted on Facebook. “Conolly had been part of the Boston rock scene for decades, even before I got her in 1978. And it was revealed earlier this year that cancer had come calling. He nicknamed himself ‘Monoman’ — a fan of mono, pre-stereo music — and I will always have images of his blonde hair flying as he one-handedly pumped his Vox Continent organ. Garage rock heaven.”“RIP Jeff Conolly, an amazing musician, performer, songwriter and historian of rock!” Thalia Zedek wrote on Facebook. “As legendary if not more in Europe than he was in his hometown, he was truly an international ambassador of Boston rock and roll, right up there with the Modern Lovers and the Real Kids. I didn’t know Jeff well but shared a rehearsal space with him and his ex wife Priscilla in the 90s, and worked some shits with him at Mystery Train when I was filling in for my friend Tammy Bonn. He was hilarious and always nice to me. Rest in peace rocker!!!”There were plenty more comments like that. Conolly founded the Lyres in 1979 and the band was active into 2026.The band’s 1983 hit “Help You Ann” was ranked as the 13th-greatest Boston song of all time by Boston Magazine. The Lyres released 11 albums. The first, “On Fyre” came in 1984, and the last “On Fyre at the Rusty Nail 1985” came in 2025. NICK COOMBS Coombs, the frontman for the rock group The Spins, died on July 10.He was 27.According to multiple reports, Coombs died on July 10 after the 2005 Yamaha motorcycle he was riding struck a guardrail on Route 23 in Wayne, New Jersey, at 1:04 a.m. Coombs was thrown from the bike and was found unresponsive.He was transported to Saint Josephs University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.His brother, Ben Coombs, shared the news of his death on Facebook.“This morning the world lost a beautiful soul, my younger brother Nick passed away unexpectedly in an accident,” he wrote. “Please remember all the joy he brought to your lives. He was truly one of a kind and we will miss him every single day. Please keep him in your prayers.” Coombs’ obituary noted that he was a graduate of Montclair State University.“Through talent and dedication, he toured several times over the years sharing his music and connecting with people wherever he performed,” the obit read. “His creativity and love of performing brought joy to countless people.”“The world lost a very talented singer and I’m so grateful we have your music recorded,” Hannah Rose McCarthy wrote on Facebook. “My love and prayers are with the band, his close friends, and of course his family.”The Spins also shared news of his passing on Instagram.“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we regret to inform everyone our dear friend, lead singer, and brother Nick has passed away,” the post read. “There are no words that could ever express the feelings and thoughts we are experiencing, or to ever fully capture how much we loved him and will miss him endlessly for the rest of our lives. Anyone who has ever met nick for even 5 seconds will tell you he was the most warm, outgoing, welcoming and beautiful soul you could ever meet. He could have a conversation with any single person off the street and make them feel like they’d been friends for years. Not only was he our bandmate, but he was our best friend and brother as well. We’ve pursued this dream together, built the band, and created art and music we worked relentlessly on and were proud of for the past 10 years together. It has been our entire life’s pursuit, as it was Nicks.”The lengthy statement credited Coombs for his creativity and love of the band and music. “We send all the love and support in the world to his family in this immensely difficult time,” it added, “and we extend all of our heartfelt and both sorrow and gratitude to all of you as well.”TERRY COXCox, best known for his work as the drummer for Pentangle, died on March 19.He was 89.The band shared a statement on its Facebook page following his death.“Terry Cox R.I.P,” it read. “One of Pentangle’s five points of light — a drummer of rare instinct and imagination. Alongside Danny Thompson, he formed a rhythm section that redefined the boundaries of folks, jazz, and beyond. Our love and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him. #pentangle #TerryCox #folk”Fans responded with love and support.“Very innovative drummer,” Martin Nemeth wrote. “Almost sounds like a hip hop beat he’s laying down here.”“RIP to a member of the most musically talented band ever formed each one a master of their craft,” Timothy Chambers replied.“Sad news,” Richard Finlan replied. “Met him and the band back in 1969 at the National Jazz and Blues festival in Plumpton. To me, they always seemed like a bunch of mates who dropped by for tea and biscuits and then played some new songs for you. RIP Terry.”“What an IMMENSE loss to the musical world, and indeed the world as a whole!” Nik Romanov Thomas-Le replied. “R.I.P Sir.”Loudersound reported that Cox’s death means that singer Jacqui McShee is the lone remaining living member of the band’s original lineup. The outlet also noted that along with his work with Pentangle, Cox drummed on David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” single. But Bowie wasn’t the only big name that Cox worked with. The list of names who employed his services also included Elton John, Rick Springfield, the Bee Gees, Alexis Korner, Mike Batt, Scott Walker, Rupert Hine, Long John Baldry and Charles Aznavour. DASH CROFTSCrofts, one half of the beloved soft rock duo Seals and Crofts, died on March 25.He was 85. Louie Shelton, who produced the group during the 1970s, shared the news of his passing on social media.“Sad to hear our dear brother and partner in music has passed away today,’ he wrote. “Sending love and prayers to all his family and fans.”TMZ reported that a family member of Crofts, whose real name was Darrell George Crofts, said that he passed away due to complications following heart surgery. He combined with Jim Seals to form Seals and Crofts in 1969 and the duo had some big hits. The biggest of those was 1972’s “Summer Breeze” which made it to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972, and the band followed that with another hit, “Diamond Girl” which also made it to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. The duo also had “Get Closer” which made it to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976.The group had other hits too such as “I’ll Play for You,” and “You’re the Love.”Seals and Crofts released the first of its 17 albums, “Seals & Crofts,” in 1969. After 1980’s “The Longest Road,” the duo split up. That led to a 24 year gap before they released their final album, “Traces,” in 2004.Jim Seals died in 2022. Crofts was a native of Cisco, Texas and Ultimate Classic Rock reported he returned to his home state late in life and raised horses. TOMMY DECARLODeCarlo, best known for his time as the frontman for Boston, died on March 9.He was 60.DeCarlo had reportedly been battling brain cancer. He served as the frontman for Boston from 2007 until his death. He also formed his own band, DeCarlo, with his son, Tommy Jr., and they released an album, “Lightning Strikes Twice” in 2020. JOHN DOUGLAS Douglas, the longtime guitarist and vocalist for the Trashcan Sinatras, died on Aug. 3.Douglas was 63.The band shared the news on its website and social media accounts.“From Stephen, Davy, Paul and Frank,” the post read. “We are devastated to inform all of you that we have lost our dear brother John after a brief illness. John died peacefully in the early hours of Monday the 3rd of August 2026, surrounded by loved ones, his beautiful voice and songs filling the room.”Fans were quick to respond with love.“This news keeps bouncing off me,” Pete Paphides replied on Facebook. “I don’t know where to put it. No one who ever interacted with John wasn’t in some small way altered by his almost otherworldly loveliness, his unassuming decency. Sending all my love to Eddi, the Trashcans and all his co-travelers in life. XX.”“So heartbroken to hear this,” Michael Herbert wrote on Facebook. “Met him a few times over the years and he was always kind and engaging and always talked about ‘the missus.’ His love and talent will be greatly missed.”“I am so gutted by the news,” Glenn Iverson wrote. “I got to meet him a couple of times when he came through Denver and he was always very thoughtful and friendly. My condolences to the brand and Eddi for this loss.”“This is soul crushing,” Pat Ormsby wrote. “I marveled at his ability to create such masterful and enduring melodies. So simple. So brilliant. Need to process this for a good while. RIP John. Peace to his family and all the loyal TCS fans out there.”There were plenty more comments like that and you can see them as well as the band’s post here.The heartbreaking news comes just days after the band released its newest album, “Ever The Optimist.”Douglas joined the Trashcan Sinatras in 1987, a year after they started. According to Stereogum, the band’s first three albums “got strong reviews and made the UK charts.”The band has released nine albums altogether. The first was 1990’s “Cake.” GARY DWYER Dwyer, best known for his work as the drummer for The Teardrop Explodes, died on Aug. 9.He was 66.“Sad news today that former Teardrop Explodes drummer Gary Dwyer, a much-loved figure on the Liverpool music scene, has passed away,” British Music Experience posted on Facebook. “He was an integral part of the band that burst onto the scene in the early 1980s with hits like Reward and Treason, and while the band went through numerous line-up changes, it was always Dwyer behind the kit. After the band’s split, he drummed on Julian Cope’s debut solo album, and also for Terry Hall’s outfit The Colour Field. Rest in Peace ‘Rocky.’” Liverpool Echo called Dwyer a “legendary Liverpool musician,” and noted that he was “an integral part of the band that burst onto the scene in the early 1980s.”Fellow The Teardrop Explodes member David Balfe also wrote about Dwyer’s death on social media. “It is with enormous sadness that I must pass on the news that my wonderful friend of nearly fifty years, Gary Dwyer, Teardrop Explodes drummer and very special man, passed away last night,” he wrote. “He’d been fighting leukemia for nearly two years. We’d stayed in touch and met often over the decades. I saw him last in Liverpool just a few weeks ago, over breakfast in Bold St. He was going through a good patch in his roller-coaster medical battle. We laughed often. Even when I spoke to him last on the phone about ten days ago, he was still in high spirits. Though his body was slowly giving up and he knew he was approaching the end. One advantage of the last couple of years was that it allowed him the time to come to peaceful terms with the inevitable outcome. I could write about his extraordinary personality and sense of humor for hours, but I’m too sad to do so now. Maybe soon.”GREG ELMORE Elmore, a former drummer for the iconic rock band Quicksilver Messenger Service, died on March 29.He was 79.News of his death spread quickly across social media. “Today we lost a long time dear friend, an awesome drummer, and a wonderful human being,” Steve Keyser wrote on Facebook. “May your eternal rest keep the beat of peace. Thank you for sharing your gift Greg Elmore.”“R.I.P. American Rock Drummer Greg Elmore (1946-2026), who has sadly just recently passed on,” Lucas Campbell wrote on Facebook. “His work with the legendary ‘Quicksilver Messenger Service’ on their first two albums in 1968 & 1969 was outstanding. It was especially their ‘Happy Trails’ album that in my opinion can never be equaled or surpassed, the album stands as Quicksilver’s finest moment producing the ultimate west coast acid rock album of all time. Musicians live their lives for just one defining magical moment in a song or a performance, somehow Quicksilver Messenger Service produced a whole album’s worth of those moments. How I loved that album. ‘Happy Trails’ to Greg Elmore you rocked my world, and you always will.”There were plenty more comments like that across social media. BestClassicBands.com reported that Elmore began playing the drums at 11. He joined up with Quicksilver Messenger Service around 1965, and that “Happy Trails” album he played on was a hit. The album featured the single, “Who Do You Love,” which made it into The Billboard Hot 100 at 91. “Happy Trails” went on to become a certified gold album. Elmore was with “Quicksilver Messenger Service” through 1975. After his time with the group, he also played with bands such as Terry and the Pirates and the Dinosaurs, according to BestClassicBands.com. His death means that David Freiberg, who is currently with Jefferson Starship, is the last surviving member of Quicksilver Messenger Service’s early lineups.JENNIFER FINCH Finch, the bassist for the rock group L7, died on July 18 just days after it was revealed that she was battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. The news was shared in a post on her Instagram account.“We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch,” the statement posted just after 10 p.m. on Saturday read. “Jennifer’s impact on the world of music was seismic; her impact on our lives, even moreso. We appreciate some space to heal privately during this difficult time.”The news of her brain cancer battle was revealed in a post to her Instagram account on Monday.“Today, we have to share something none of us ever wanted to write: Jennifer is facing an aggressive form of brain cancer,” the statement read. “After her diagnosis, there was hope that treatment would give her a path back to some version of normal life. Instead, complications brought multiple surgeries and a relentless series of setbacks. Jennifer is now living with significant physical limitations and requires a level of care that love, friendship, and sheer determination cannot safely provide around the clock.“So, we’re calling on the community,” the state continued. “A GoFundMe has been created to help cover professional in-home nursing care, physical and speech therapy, medical equipment, home-care expenses, and the essential support Jennifer needs to live with as much comfort, dignity, autonomy, and quality of life as possible. It will also help protect and preserve the creative legacy she has spent decades building —because that work matters, and it deserves to endure.”Finch’s death comes as L7 is preparing to head out for the United States leg of its final tour in the fall. Blabbermouth reported that Finch asked the group to carry on without her.“We are all devastated by the news and are surrounding her with love, protecting her privacy and The GoFundME for Finch has raised more than $393,000.STEFF FONTAINE Fontaine, best known as the singer for Uriah Heep, died in March. He was 70.GREGG FOREMAN Foreman, the frontman for the rock band Delta 72, died on April 21.He was 53. Foreman was a native of Philadelphia and he attended Conestoga High. After high school, he joined a band called Junction. He founded Delta 72 in 1994 and the band released three albums — 1996’s “The R&B of Membership,” 1997’s “The Soul Of A New Machine,” and 2000’s “OOO.” The band broke up in 2001. He was also joined the band Cat Power in 2006 and was a member of the group of the next two decades. He was in another group, The Black Ryder, as well as the bands Pink Mountaintops and Meek.Foreman had a versatile background. He freelanced for a newspaper in Philadelphia when he was younger and interviewed musicians such as James Brown. He also hosted a radio show called the “Pharmacy,” in which he interviewed musicians. He worked with artists such as Death Valley Girls, Martin Rev, David J. and Paris Jackson in recent years. “I guess the word is out,” Cold Cave’s Wesley Eisold wrote on Instagram. “First met Gregg in the year 2000 and reconnected when I moved to LA. He introduced me to Amy shortly after and the rest is history. Like others, he bounced in and out of our lives and changed each one he visited. For better or for worse, he lived a life that others only claim to have lived and he was one of one. His love for music was as genuine as the pain he harbored.“Wishing you peace Gregg, for all of eternity, heavenly sounds and cosmic rhythms.”ROSS “THE BOSS” FRIEDMAN Friedman died on March 26.He was 72.Friedman’s passing came just weeks after he announced that he was battling ALS, which is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Metal Hall of Fame issued a statement announcing his passing.“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, Metal Hall of Fame Inductee, and Global Metal Ambassador Ross “The Boss” Friedman,” the post on the Hall of Fame’s Facebook page read. “Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of The Dictators and Manowar. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.”The Hall of Fame added that Friedman battled his disease “with the same courage and honesty that defined his life and career.”Fans were quick to share their love.“RIP Ross,” Dalia E. Hettfield replied. “Condolences to his family, fans and friends. Awful news. Rest In Peace and in Music.”“Such a heart break man,” Joseph Della Mast wrote. “Such a good guy.”“RIP to this Manowarrior,” CJ Fattoruso wrote. “Never used a foot pedal. Criminally underrated player. All Hail, Ross The Boss of the Mighty Manowar.”Friedman first revealed his battle in February.“The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs,” a statement he released read. “A series of very minor strokes was initially thought to have been the cause, but changes in diet, exercise and added physical therapy did not slow the progression or increase his strength.”ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. It causes loss of muscle control and gets worse over time. It is not known what causes the disease. “It’s difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar,” Friedman said earlier this year. “But the outpouring of love has been so, so strong. I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all.”Friedman is known for co-founding The Dictators, a proto-punk band and playing with the iconic metal band Manowar in 1980. He recorded six albums with Manowar before leaving the band in 1988 after playing on “Kings of Metal.” Friedman had continued to play with The Dictators until recently. The band announced in November that it was cancelling a show because he had suffered a hand injury that was being evaluated. “Ross’s impact on music is immeasurable,” the Metal Hall of Fame’s statement read. “From the raw energy of early punk to the epic scale of heavy metal, his work left a lasting mark on the genre and on everyone who experienced it. Beyond his achievements on stage and in the studio, Ross was deeply respected by his peers and beloved by fans across continents. His legacy will live on through his music, his influence, and the countless lives he touched.”LEN GARRYGarry, an iconic rocker known for his time in The Quarrymen with Paul McCartney and John Lennon before the band became the Beatles, died on March 2.He was 84. His daughter, Jane Garry, announced his death on Facebook. “My dad ‘Len Garry’ passed away at home in the early hours this morning,” she wrote. “The doctor told us he had hours to live and I said straight away ‘he has to come home.’ Which the doctor allowed. I travelled with dad in the ambulance and got him home. My mum, my sister, my brother in law and myself stayed by Dad’s bed holding his hand, talking to him and telling him how much we love him and how proud we are of him as he was passing away and taking his last breaths. I love you Dad and I will miss you Dad for the rest of my life. I’m beyond devastated. Dad believed in God and we believe he is in heaven now.”Garry was a member of The Quarrymen in the 1950s, but he eventually had to back out after he came down with tubercular meningitis. He never returned to the group. After several name changes, The Quarrymen became the Beatles in 1960. He reunited with the surviving non-Beatles members of The Quarrymen in 1994 and the group released three albums — “Together” in 1997, “Songs We Remember” in 2004 and “Grey Album” in 2012. He was also the frontman for a rock gospel group called “Come Together” later in life. SHAUN GLASS Glass, who played with several popular metal bands, died on July 1.He was 57.Blabbermouth.net called Glass a “Chicago metal legend.”The outlet reported that Glass died on July 1, a month after suffering a stroke.His wife, Michelle, shared the news of his death on Facebook.“It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share that Shaun passed away this morning after suffering a medical emergency on May 31,” she wrote. “Shaun and I met in 2003 and married in 2010,” she added. “In 2012, we welcomed our son — Shaun’s pride and joy, as anyone who knew him well already knows. Our lives will never be the same. We are devastated, and we ask for privacy and respect as our family begins to navigate this unimaginable loss.”She wrote that Shaun was “always a husband and a Dad first.“Please keep our family in your prayers, thoughts, or however you send positive energy,” she added. Blabbermouth said that Glass was known for his work with the bands Soil, Broken Hope, Sindrome, Terminal Death, Dirge Within and The Bloodline. He was most recently recognized for his work with the band Repentance. The outlet called him a “heavy metal lifer” who began his career in the 1980s with Terminal Death. It said his biggest run of commercial success came after he joined the band Soil in 1998.Glass was able to finish work on a third album with Repentance prior to his death. That was slated to be released on July 17 but was delayed after he suffered his stroke. JESSE HECTOR Hector, a guitarist and singer for the The Gorillas, died on May 6.He reportedly died of a heart attack.ROB HIRST Hirst, the drummer for the popular Australian rock group Midnight Oil, died on Jan. 20.He was 70.Hirst revealed last April that he had been battling pancreatic cancer.“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain — ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,’” Midnight Oil shared on its Facebook page. “He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The family asks that anyone wanting to honor Rob donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia of Support Act.”The band returned with a post later on that featured a photo of the entire group together.“We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob,” that read. “For now there are no words but there will always be song. Love always from Jim, Martin & Pete.”Hirst made the revelation that he was battling the disease in an interview with The Australian last year. Hirst, who co-founded Midnight Oil in the 1970s, said at the time he has been battling the disease for two years.“So it’s ongoing,” he told the newspaper. “I’ve had pretty much every treatment known to man — every scan, ultrasound, MRI. I’ve kind of had ‘the works.’”Hirst said the cancer was stage 3 when he found it. He said that he had an unsuccessful, eight-hour surgery to remove the tumor. “Coming up to two years, I thought I just need to get this, literally, off my chest,” Hirst told The Australian. “Also, I think that lesson for me – and maybe why I’ve lasted this long – is because, if you do have any of that kind of symptom, where there’s something that you feel is wrong, just go and get a simple blood test. It could be life-changing, and life-extending.”RODNEY HOLMES Holmes, a beloved drummer who played with Santana, died on July 11.He was 59.Downbeat reported that Holmes died after battling cancer. Friends and fans took to social media to remember him after the news was announced.“So many gigs with this gentleman going back to 1996, I can’t count,” Tom Guarna wrote on Facebook. “Time spent together talking music and Sci Fi. My first trip to Russia many years ago was with his group. We had so many laughs! Thank you for letting me into your musical world. Rest in Peace my friend. Your musical genius and presence will be greatly missed.”“Rodney Holmes, RIP,” Steve Kimock wrote. “To his family and friends, and all his music touched, my sincere condolences. Beautiful and fierce, intelligent, creative, talented, driven. There will never be another like him.” “Rodney, thanks for the music, the inspiration, the teaching. Love and condolences, SK.”“RIP Rodney Holmes … shocked to hear this news … he was such a wonderful player and a great guy,” Dave Wecki wrote. “He came to me somewhere in the mid 80s for a drum lesson. He sat down and played for about five minutes. I literally told him there was nothing for me to show him, and to go home. Lol … so we hung out and talked for a while. Not long after that Rodney was on the scene, killing it. Sending love and condolences to his family and everyone that knew and loved him.”“Rodney Holmes was an incredible drummer whose inventiveness, technical prowess and stamina were all a wonder to behold,” Peter Erskine wrote on Facebook. “Everything he played felt great, and any band he played with sounded better because of his being there. This one hurts … his leaving us comes too soon and the universe feels very much not-on-schedule right now. Rest in power and peace, Rodney Holmes. You made the world a better place.”Holmes was a native of the Bronx. He picked up drumming at the age of 15, and embarked on a career that saw him play with legends. Along with his time working with Santana, he also played with Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker and Wayne Shorter. Suggest reported that Holmes is credited for playing on the Santana hit, “Smooth.”WERNER HOYER Hoyer, best known an early singer for the Scorpions, died on April 21.He suffered a heart attack.Hoyer joined the Scorpions when he was still a teen in 1967 but was replaced in 1969.PANTHENON HUXLEYHuxley, a beloved rock singer/songwriter, died on Jan. 30.He was 70.His wife, Helle Huxley, announced his death in a post to his Facebook page.“I’m so sad to share the heartbreaking news that Parthenon passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning,” she wrote while sharing his obituary.Parade Magazine noted that Huxley, whose real name is Richard Willett Miller, is best known for his work with the Eels and his time touring with ELO II. The outlet said he was also renowned for his solo work and producing. Mark Oliver Everett of the Eels shared a post to his Facebook following the news of Huxley’s death.“So sad to hear of the passing of my old friend Parthenon Huxley,” he wrote. “He was a big part of my early days in Southern California. The first person I ever met who had put out a record. We wrote songs together and he produced my first album, A Man Called E. We kept in touch over the years and he joined us onstage at The Filmore in Silver Spring, Maryland, one of the last shows of our latest tour, a full-circle moment I’m very grateful for. Parmesan Huntsley, as I knew him (I never could get his name quite right) was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and we’ve had countless laughs over the years, staring with the endless pile of hilarious cartoons he drew at my expense while making A Man Called E. I already miss him. – E.”Parade reported that Huxley was recruited to join ELO II in 1998 and toured the world with the group. DOUG IRWINIrwin died on March 27 at the age of 76.His impact on the music world was undeniable, and all you have to do is check out the Irwin Guitars Facebook page to know it. Because it was there that Irwin’s death was announced, and fans of his work were quick to show their heartbreak.“Today we remember and honor Douglas Leo Irwin,” the post read. “Doug was a master craftsman, a visionary, and someone who dedicated his life to his work. His guitars were never just instruments, they were built with intention, precision, and soul, becoming part of the music and the artists who played them. “To his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, Doug was more than his work,” the statement continued. “He was a presence, a character, and someone whose impact reached far beyond words. His legacy will live on through the instruments he created and the music they helped bring to life. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”Followers of the page responded with love. “The finest and most iconic instruments of a century,” Kirby Wadsworth replied. “Literally the Stradivarious of our time. R.I.P.”“The best to ever build a custom electric guitar,” Ryan Brewington replied. “Often imitated, never duplicated.”“Mega-talented guitar visionary,” Tom Snediker replied. “Builder of the coolest guitar ever built. Our loss is the cosmos’ gain.”The San Francisco Chronicle said that Irwin was known for creating the instruments that became “inseparable” for Garcia onstage. Those were named “Wolf,” Tiger,” “Rosebud,” and a headless guitar, “Wolf Jr.”According to the San Francisco Chronicle, his death comes just weeks after “Tiger” was sold at a Christie’s auction for a whopping $11.56 million.The outlet reported that Irwin also created instruments for Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh and bassist and keyboardist Pete Sears. JERNEY KAAGMAN Kaagman, the frontwoman for Earth and Fire and a judge on the show “Idols” in the Netherlands, died on July 31, according to multiple reports.She was 79. Kaagman had been battling Parkinson’s disease.Kaagman joined Earth and Fire in 1969 and the group put out a long list of hits. Its first album, “Seasons/Hazy Paradise” came in 1970, and its last “The Two of Us/Love is to Give Away,” came in 1983. Kaagman also released two solo albums — “Made on Earth” in 1984 and “Run” in 1987.Fans and friends took to social media to remember her following the news of her death.“We’d like to thank Jerney Kaagman who was one of the first ladies in progressive and symphonic rock and has been an inspiration to many young girls in music,” the band Within Temptation wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for your advice and for believing in us. Rest in peace.”“Today, the sad news broke that singer Jerney Kaagman has passed away at the age of 79,” Gijsbert Hanekroot wrote on Facebook. “Far too young, in my opinion. We worked together quite a few times during the seventies, when she was enjoying great success with her band Earth & Fire. This unearthed slide is from a photoshoot we did for the Dutch Magazine VIVA. Rest in music, Jerney.”Keep Metal called her “one of the most influential voices in Dutch rock history.”“Jerney fought Parkinson’s disease with remarkable courage in her later years, inspiring countless fans with strength and resilience,” the statement added. “Rest in peace, Jerney Kaagman. Thank you for your unforgettable voice, your extraordinary career, and your lasting legacy in rock music. Gone, but never forgotten!!”HARRY KIMKim, the longtime leader of the horns section for rock and pop legend Phil Collins, died on April 10.He was 74.Genesis-News.com reported that Kim had been battling cancer.“We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Harry Kim, an extraordinary musician and friend who performed with Phil for decades,” a post on Collins’ Facebook page that showed the two together read.Fans and friends also took to social media to remember Kim.“We are devastated to hear about the loss of our dear friend Harry Kim,” Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpiece wrote on Facebook. “Our prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Harry was more than a customer. He cared so much for Bob and our staff. He single-handedly organized Bob Reeves’ 80th birthday. While hanging around for an alignment or mouthpiece, he would be chatting with Jose in Spanish. He would check in on us just to see how we’re doing. And if you haven’t heard his playing, check out his work with Phil Collins, Johnny Hallyday, and many others. If you want to learn more about Harry’s life, listen to our interview with him and our podcast.”“We lost a truly great musician, Harry Kim,” Edward Valizan. “Here’s a short clip from the early days of Sensemaya, featuring him alongside Ramon Flores and Art Velasco. Harry was also a masterful horn section arranger; I didn’t realize until years later just how strongly my own work was influenced by his arrangements for artists like Phil Collins and Earth, Wind & Fire. “A true gentleman and a world-class trumpet player. Rest in peace.”Kim was a native of New York City, and he was a member of the Phenix Horns, which not only played with Collins but also the legendary group, Earth, Wind and Fire.Kim also played with Stevie Wonder’s Wonder Love group, and also worked with other legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson. TAYLOR KIRKTaylor Kirk, the frontman for the group Timbre Timbre, was 44.A representative for Kirk said in a statement to Exclaim! that he “passed away suddenly on April 14.”“We are devastated by the profound loss of Taylor and will miss him immensely,” the statement said. “Beloved son to Donna and David, brother to Caley and Emma, uncle to Arden, partner to Linda, nephew to Steve, Arlene, Randy, and Les. His memory will live on through his music that we are fortunate to have for the rest of our lives.”Fans were heartbroken to hear of his passing.“Terrible news,” Matthew Woods Gordon replied on Facebook to a Stereogum report on his death. “Timbre Timbre had such a unique and intriguing sound. May he rest in peace.”“Such terrible news to hear,” Dee Lee wrote. “Hot Dreams is one of the most genius songs ever recorded.”“I’m shocked,” Billy Ratcliff wrote. “I loved all of his music. Wish I could have seen him play.”“Wow this hit me like a ton of bricks,” Eddie Deyzel wrote. “Was such a big fan of his music ever since I heard Black Water. Rest in peace.”Kirk founded Timbre Timbre in 2005, and the band was active through 2026. The band released the first of its seven albums, “Cedar Shakes,” in 2006. It released its last album, “Lovage,” in 2023. The group also released an EP, “Interview Volume IV,” this year. Rolling Stone noted that the band was known for its “sparse, atmospheric sound, blending elements of folk, blues, and experimental music.” The outlet noted that Kirk’s work was featured in the TV shows “The Good Wife” and “Breaking Bad.”LOU KOLLER Koller, the beloved frontman for Sick Of It All, has died on July 24 after battling a relapse of cancer.He was 59.The band announced Koller’s death on social media.“It’s with unbelievable sadness that we announced to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller,” the post read. “The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming. This year would have marked Sick of it All’s 40th anniversary as a. and, and Lou’s camaraderie, commitment and enthusiasm were always steadfast throughout the years. We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman. Loud had the power to raise everyone’s spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment, and he won people over with where ever we played, from every culture and every corner of the world. “At this time of intense grief, we must again acknowledge the great help and support offered by everyone who donated to Lou’s medical fund,” the statement continued. “You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he battled away these last two years. His battle is over now and he can finally rest. “Hopefully we can somehow still see and feel the beautiful, positive mark he left on the world.”The news came months after Koller’s brother, Pete Koller, revealed the brutal impact the disease was having on him.“He’s staying at my brother Matt’s house,” Pete said on ‘The Brooklyn Blast Furnace’ podcast. “And Matt and his wife Connie are like saints.”Pete said that Matt “retired early so he could live life.”“But now he’s taking care of Lou,” he said. “He’s gotta be there. He’s there 24 hours a day. So, Lou actually has a feeding tube because … so, when the cancer came back, he had two more tumors that were pushing his esophagus folds so the food wouldn’t go in. And these tumors are on the sack of the stomach, so they can’t operate on it. So, everything has to be done by chemo. Also, he has a tumor, and I think it’s on the sack of his stomach just before the intestines. So they can’t operate on that either. It sucks.”Pete said that his brother’s chemo treatments were “absolutely brutal.”He also revealed that his brother went from 190 pounds to 119 pounds during his first fight against the disease. Lou announced in May 2025 that he was cleared of cancer, but Pete said that when doctors saw how much weight he had lost, they made him get tested again.“They took him right then and there to do all these tests, and that’s when they found the three tumors,” he said.You can read more from the interview here.Lou Koller shared a video on social media late last year giving fans an update on how he was doing.“Hey, everybody. What’s up? It’s Lou,” he said in a video shared to the band’s Instagram.“It’s been a while. To give you an update, there’s not really much to tell. The treatments are going OK. They’re not really doing much. I’m kind of at a stalemate where the tumors aren’t growing and they’re not spreading, but they’re not shrinking either. So the plan is to keep going with the treatments and see what happens. And after that, we’ll make a new plan.”After announcing in May 2025 that he was cancer-free, he shared a video update on Instagram in October in which he announced the disease had returned.“Hey everybody what’s up, it’s Lou here,” Koller said in the video. “I don’t know if you can tell with my new skeletal look that I have going on. Here’s an update for you. It’s not one I want to make, but unfortunately the cancer has come back, and he brought some friends with him.“I was having a really hard time with my recovery,” he continued. “I was having a tough time gaining weight and keeping food down so I had some scans done and sure enough it’s back. But we are going to take it day-by-day and see what happens. I want to thank you all again for your support and the way you all reach out to me is … thank you very much. I’ll keep you updated and let you know how it goes, alright? “See you soon.”MATT KRUPANSKI Krupanski, a founding member of Boysetsfire, died on March 28 at the age of 48.The band announced the news on social media.“We hate to write this,” the statement read. “Today the BSF family lost one of our founding members, our drummer Matt Krupanski. Words are failing us. Snapshots of memories skitter through our mind. Picking him up for our first tour from high school which his parents had to give permission to leave early.”The statement then ran down a list of memories involving Krupanski.“We are so (expletive) sorry George,” it continued. “We are so sorry Carla. We are so sorry Marc and Melissa. And our heart breaks for his daughter Georgie. We are so sorry. We are gutted. Our hearts are shredded. We lost a brother today. “We are planning on a fundraiser for Georgie maybe for college or whatever the family decides. Matt you are missed and we love you.”Followers were quick to reply. “I am so very sorry and absolutely lost for words,” one person wrote. “This is devastating. All my thoughts are with the whole BSF family, crew and Matt’s family of course … Rest easy, Matt!”“The best!” another wrote. “So Sad and Heartbroken.”“Absolutely heartbreaking!” another wrote. “Truly at a loss for words. Nothing but love to the entire BSF family and everyone close to Matt.”“This is truly hard to hear,” another person replied. “I’m sorry for everyone’s loss. May he rest in peace. A legend lost.”There were plenty more comments like that and you can see them all as well as the band’s post here. Krupanski was the original drummer for Boysetsfire, which was founded in 1994. The band signed with Initial Records in 1997 and released its first album, “The Day the Sun Went Out.” The band released three more albums, “After the Eulogy” in 2000, “Tomorrow Come Today,” in 2003 and “The Misery Index: Notes from the Plague Years,” in 2006. Metalsucks.net reported that Krupanski left the band in 2012 to pursue architecture and was successful there, working his way into the position of Director of Engineering at Hadley Exhibits Inc. The band has released two more albums — “While a Nation Sleeps…” and “Boysetsfire” — since Krupanski’s departure. TZRUYA “SUKI” LAHAVLahav, a member of the E Street Band in the mid-1970s, died on April 2.She was 74. Her son, Yonatan Lahav, said in a Facebook post that she had been battling cancer. Variety reported that it was Lahav’s violin that can be heard on Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland” track which closes out the “Born to Run” album. She also sang on two Springsteen tracks — “The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle,” and 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” — according to Variety.The Springsteen Center issued a statement following her death.“Suki Lahav, the Israeli-born musician, lyricist, and poet who briefly joined the E Street Band in the mid-1970s, has passed away at the age of 74,” it read. “A violinist on Born to Run — most notably heard on ‘Jungeland’ — she contributed to the early sound of Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough era. Lahav went on to become a major figure in Israeli music and literature, leaving behind a lasting legacy as both a songwriter and a poet.”Fans were quick to send condolences and love.“We shall always cherish those moments on the recordings,” one person replied. “May she rock in peace,” another wrote. “And so fantastic in New York’s city serenade!!!” another wrote. “Her part in Jungeland is epic,” another replied. There were plenty more comments like that and you can see them all here. Variety reported that Lahav played the violin for Springsteen in 38 concerts prior to “Born to Run” being released. The outlet said she is also known for contributing to a cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Want You” that was popular for decades. JERRY LEACH Leach, the bassist for the popular country and rock group Not Leaving Sober, died on March 10.He was 32. According to multiple reports, Leach was found pinned underneath a vehicle outside of a home in New Jersey.The band announced his death in a statement on its Instagram.“This devastating news comes as a shock to all of us,” the statement read. “Jerry was far more than a bass player to us — he became a brother who we got to know very closely.”Jefferson Township police responded to a call at 5:04 p.m. and found Leach pinned underneath the rear tire of a vehicle. Police pushed the vehicle off of Leach, but it was too late.He was pronounced dead at the scene. “Jerry started as a friend of the band who answered the call when he heard we were looking for a bassist and quickly learned 60-some-odd songs in the matter of a few weeks, and really started his time with us with 2 long road trips out of state to Maryland and then New Hampshire,” the statement read. “At the time, these gigs were a hard sell. We hadn’t really made much of a name for ourselves yet and joining a new band going away for multiple weekends probably wasn’t the most appealing. Multiple times during those weekends, Jerry just kept repeating “I just want to help you guys,” but that was just the kind of person he was.“Fast forward 4 years and prob ably 300 shows later, this band would never have reached the heights it has without Jerry and his contributions,” the statement continued. “He loved being a part of the writing process and his signature style is easily recognizable on the songs he wrote and recorded with us.”The band wrapped up the lengthy post by talking about what lies ahead.“The reality is, after a tragedy like this, the next few months are going to be extremely tough for all of us — the band and the collective that has grown around us, those who have always come out to support us and people who have just joined the family,” the statement read. “But we realize that we owe it to Jerry to keep going. Jerry was very clear that he just wanted to see the band succeed and for us, the only way to honor him is to keep that promise. We will never forget our friend. He will be a part of every show, every practice, every cheers, every celebration. ALEX LIGERTWOOD Ligertwood, the former lead singer of the rock group Santana, died on April 30.He was 79.The Scotland Herald reported that the singer died after several years of health battles. Ligertwood had five different runs with Santana from 1979 through 1994 and was the lead singer on such songs as “You Know That I Love You,” “All I Ever Wanted,” “Hold On,” and “Winning.”“Very sad news,” John Cafferty wrote on Facebook. “The extraordinary Alex Ligertwood passed over the weekend. I always felt such a special connection with him. But then again … so did we all. Anyone who came in contact with the warmth of his heart, the blue twinkle in his eyes, the playful charm of his Scottish brogue or the hypnotic spell cast by his contagious head-to-toe rhythm ‘n’ soul deep magic in his voice … will forever feel his special connection. Alex you were a good and true friend. I cherish every moment. Luv you my brother. Rest in peace.”“RIP Brother Alex Ligertwood,” Mark Hoyt wrote on Facebook. “It was just three short weeks ago that he played his final performance in Minneapolis. He gave it his all in perfect pitch as usual, although we could tell he was struggling. I found out it was his last performance on that night. The last son he sang was … ‘Somewhere in Heaven,’ that he wrote when he was with Santana, and I accompanied him on the piano. I don’t think there could be a more fitting song that he could’ve sung after a lifetime of singing thousands. “You will be so missed by so many who love you,” he added. “I know I’ll miss you dearly, but I also know you’re with your best friend’s Fergie, Jimi, Tunes, and Denny, which helps ease the pain of losing you. You were one in a billion and I’m so thankful for your decades of friendship and music. You were the Best. Godspeed.”Ligertwood also performed with Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express and the Jeff Beck Group. DENNIS LOCORRIERELocorriere, a founding member of the popular rock band Dr. Hook, died on May 16.He was 76.The band shared a statement on its website announcing his death.“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Locorriere, who, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on May 16th, 2026,” the statement read. “Dennis faced illness with remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience throughout, and remained deeply cherished by all who knew him. “He will be remembered for his warmth, love, and the lasting impact he had one those around him,” the statement continued. “We would like to thank everyone who supported Dennis during his journey and ask for privacy for his loved ones as they grieve this profound loss.”Rolling Stone reported that Locorriere announced his retirement from touring in November 2025. He was a New Jersey native who helped found Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show in 1969. Rolling Stone reported that Locorriere held the rights to Dr. Hook’s name and continued to tour with it after the band’s 1985 farewell tour. The band had 11 albums, the first of which, “Dr. Hook,” was released in 1972. It’s final album, “Let Me Drink from Your Well,” was released in 1983. Dr. Hook was known for its string of hits across the 1970s including “Sylvia’s Mother,” “The Cover of Rolling Stone,” “Only Sixteen,” “A Little Bit More,” “Walk Right IN,” “Sharing the Night Together,” “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” “Sexy Eyes,” and “Better Love Next Time.”BO LUEDERS Lueders, a founding member of Harm’s Way, died on April 2. His band announced his death with a statement.“It is with heavy, broken hearts that we share that our beloved Bo Lueders has passed away,” it read. “He will be remembered for his unwavering empathy and compassion for his friends and family and his magnetic, inimitable presence on and off the stage.”PATRICK CAMPBELL LYONS Campbel Lyons, a rock icon known for founding Nirvana, died on April 13.He as 82. No cause of death has been reported.Keith Smart, a bandmate of Campbell Lyons’, shared the news of his death on Facebook.“Just heard some very sad news, my dear friend of many years Patrick Campbell Lyons (who I have played guitar with in Nirvana since 1980) has left us,” Smart wrote. “He was ill for the last few years. I have many many happy memories of playing with him. May he rock in peace. Sending love to his family and friends.”All Things Music Plus called Campbell Lyons “the creative forced behind Nirvana,” and credited him with helping “craft a distinctive blend of baroque pop and orchestrated psychedelia.”Campbell Lyons’ Nirvana pre-dated Kurt Cobain’s Nirvana, and in 1992 the band sued Cobain’s group and reached a settlement out of court.Campbell Lyons’ Nirvana was formed in 1966 as he joined Alex Spyropoulos and Ray Singer to make the group.Nirvana released eight studio albums with the first, “The Story of Simon Simopath,” coming in 1967, and the last, “Secrets,” coming in 2023. The group collaborated with notable names such as Chris Blackwell, Tony Visconti, Mike Vickers, Jimmy Miller, Chris Thomas, Brian Humphries and Chris Thomas. The band had a streak of singles – “Tiny Goddess,” “Pentecost Hotel,” and “Rainbow Chaser,” which charted in the United Kingdom in the late 1960s. Aside from his time with Nirvana, Campbell Lyons also founded an R&B group, Second Thoughts, in his native Ireland. The group in 1965.WALT MADDOXMaddox, a rock and doo-wop legend with The Marcels, died on March 30.He was 88.“He was a great musician, music manager and hell of a nice guy,” former KDKA reporter Paul Martino wrote on Facebook on March 30. “Pittsburgh tonight lost Walt Maddox, former of the legendary Walt Maddox & The Marcels. Condolences to his family and especially wife Terry.”An obituary for Maddox said that he “passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and daughters.”“In his final moments, he was held in the same warmth and care that he had given so freely through his life — a quiet, graceful farewell befitting the man he was,” it read. Soultracks.com said that The Marcels “helped establish the golden age of doo-wop.”The group was formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1959, as what Soultracks.com called “a pioneering multi-racial group.” However, per the outlet, The Marcels had issues touring in the South back then, and in 1961 the group changed its lineup with Cornelius Harp, Fred Johnson and Maddox joining.The group had several runs. Its initial stint went through 1962. The Marcels were revived again in 1972, and then again in the 1990s with the group staying active into the 2010s.The group’s big hit — 1961’s “Blue Moon” — was selected by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.The song made it to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Pittsburgh’s 94.5 3WS called Maddox “a GIANT of a man … in the music world, and in life.”DAVE MASON Mason died on April 19.He was 79.His death came just months after he announced he was retiring from touring due to health issues. “It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason,”a statement on his Instagram read. “On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the Maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. “A storybook ending,” the statement added. “On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end. He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever.”Mason made the revelation that he was retiring on social media with a statement last September. He said he was “closing the curtain on 60 remarkable years of rock n’ roll and marking the end of a significant era in music history.”Mason announced in June 2025 that he was cancelling his tour for the second consecutive year to deal with “ongoing health issues.” He previously cancelled the remaining dates on his “Traffic Jam 2024,” and said at the time that he had been diagnosed with a serious heart condition that required immediate medical attention.A post on Mason’s Instagram in 2024 said the heart condition was discovered “during a routine appointment.”Mason’s statement announcing the 2025 cancellation said that after recovering from a procedure related to his heart condition, he came down with “a severe infection in March (2025), which he has been courageously battling ever since.”“I’m incredibly grateful to my team of doctors — this has been challenging territory, to say the least,” Mason said at the time. “A heartfelt thank you to all the fans, and to my family, band, agents, and the venues who’ve waited patiently and supported me throughout this journey. Your kind messages have lifted my spirits more than words can express.“Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep.”Mason co-founded the band Traffic along with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood in 1967.According to Variety, he has also played on albums with the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison and Eric Clapton.He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 as a member of Traffic.JOE MELSONMelson died on July 1.He was a singer, but his biggest impact likely came as a songwriter. Parade credited him with being “behind some of rock’s greatest operatic ballads” and helping to shape the sound of the great Roy Orbison. He was 91.The news was shared on Orbison’s Facebook page.“On July 1st, we said goodbye to the man who heard, in Roy, a voice the world didn’t know it needed yet,” the post read. “In 1959, a young songwriter named Joe Melson tapped on the window of Roy’s car in West Texas. Roy was sitting there, guitar in hand, working out a melody the way he often did. That knock on the glass changed everything. Joe heard something in Roy — a voice built for heartbreak, for the operatic, for songs that didn’t just tell as story but ached.“What followed was one of the great songwriting partnerships in America.”The post credited Melson with writing hits such as “Only the Lonely,” Crying,” “Running Scared,” “Blue Angel,” and “Blue Bayou,” with Orbison.“Songs that didn’t just chart, they invented a sound,” the post continued. “It was Joe’s voice you hear on that famous ‘dum, dum, dum, dumby doo-wah’ opening ‘Only the Lonely,’ setting the stage for Roy to soar. Joe used to call his songs ‘mood elevators.’ He and Roy built over 120 of them together.“Joe was rightfully inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, a long-overdue recognition for a man some called the most unsung hero in songwriting,” the statement continued. “But to our family, he was something simpler and dearer: the friend who saw what was possible in Roy before the rest of the world did, and who never stopped being proud of what they built together. We send our love to Joe’s family, and our deepest gratitude for a partnership that gave the world ‘the Roy Orbison sound.’ Rest easy, Joe. Thank you for hearing it first. – The Orbison family.”Melson’s son-in-law wrote on Facebook that Melson died of natural causes.Melson was a BMI Award-winning songwriter. “Only the Lonely” and “Crying” are both in the Grammy Hall of Fame and both made Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.AUGIE MEYERS Meyers died on March 7.Meyers, known for his days as a founding member of the Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornadoes, was 85.“Augie Meyers, a true Texas Legend passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 7th at 85 with his wife Sara at his side,” a post on his Facebook page read. “A Memorial Service for the public will be announced soon. The family thanks all of Augie’s friends and fans for their prayers during this time.”Prayers and love came flooding in.“Damn, this one hurts worse than a punch in the gut!” Will Owen Gage wrote on X. “Worse than an anvil to the foot, or a wrecking ball to the skull. Dearest Augie, finally free from the suffering in this mortal world, but taking a great deal of light and inspiration with him in the exit. I cannot tell you how honored, thankful and humbled I am to have called Hermano Augie Meyers a friend and bandmate! The last 5 years finally getting to back him up, travel with him, record his ‘final’ album, and just be around laughing and listening to his incredible stories was a tremendous experience, filled with unforgettable memories that will live in my heart till my own day of passing. He had a GIGANTIC impact on my life, and I see the impact he’s had on so many people! It’s truly hard to imagine how many people he befriended or that know of him. His legend is quite possibly the deepest of any well-known musician out there. From Hendrix to Little Richard, to the Beatles, hell even Elvis and Ozzy! It’s impressive and almost impossible to comprehend. All that while maintaining his true character, kind and humble, grateful and so willing to share his knowledge endlessly. I’ll never know another human being like him, and I’ll forever be indebted in him for his encouragement and belief in me … Vaya Con Dios, Sir August! Goodspeed my dear brother. Thank you, Thank you, Eternally Grateful! Love you with every piece of my broken heart. God bless Clay Meyers, Sara Meyers, Jack Barber, Ernie Durawa, Josh Baca and the countless others whose lives were enriched by his beautiful soul.”“The great Augie Meyers has moved on,” Michael Webb wrote. “He was an immeasurable influence on me. This is a great loss to American music! Thanks for everything Augie!There were plenty more tributes like that and you can see them here. Meyers, a native of San Antonio, Texas, released a whopping 23 solo albums across his career. The first of those came in 1971 with “The Western Head Music Co.” and the last came in 2013 with “Loves Lost and Found (El Sendero).”He founded the Sir Douglas Quintet along with Doug Sahm. Taste of Country noted that while Meyers played multiple instruments, he was best known for playing his Vox Continental organ and that sound became a signature of songs such as “She’s About a Move” and “Nuevo Laredo.” Per Taste of Country, the Sir Douglas Quintet was known for helping to pioneer “a style that bridged country, rock and Tejano/Tex-Mex” sound. MIKE MILLFORD Millford, the frontman and founding member of Scars of Tomorrow, died on Aug. 8.The 46-year-old had been battling cancer, according to multiple reports.Scars of Tomorrow first shared the news of his death on its Facebook page.“We’re thinking about our friend and singer, Mike Milford, today as we mourn the news of his passing,” a statement on the page read. “Thank you to everyone who supported Mike and Scars over the past two plus decades. If you ever had the privilege of meeting Mike, you know what an amazing person he was. He was an incredible frontman, artist manager, label exec, father, friend and so much more. Our thoughts are with Mike and his family today. We hope his legacy lives on through the memories he gave us and all the incredible heavy music he made.”“Rest easy Mike Milford,” Scars of Tomorrow bassist Bob Bradley wrote. “You were loved by so many and made a huge impact in the heavy music and hardcore scene during our touring days together and well after. Just thinking about you and praying for your family and all that were there for him during his battle with cancer. Father, musician, music industry wizard and all around amazing guy. RIP and thanks for all the memories my friend.”Fans and friends were quick to share their love for the singer on social media. “I still don’t really know what to say,” Alex Koehler wrote on Facebook. “There are a lot of things I want to say, but I just wish I could’ve said them to you personally. Thank you for everything you did for me and my career. I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today without having you in my corner all those years. “Mike Milford is a major reason why some of your favorite bands even had the chance to become your favorite bands,” he continued. ”CG may have never had the opportunity to break out and become what it is today without Mike. You may not know his name or recognize his face, but I guarantee you’ve listened to a band he helped build. Rest in peace, mike. Thank you for everything.”“Rest in Peace Mike Milford,” Ryan Levey wrote on Facebook. “We partnered on a lot of shows together in the past and he helped me branch away from ERC to start Monumental. He was the vocalist of Scars of Tomorrow, We Are Devastation, The Hollowed and then became a band manager with Artery Foundation and later ran Artery Recordings. No one would have guessed that the manager for bands like Carnifex, Chelsea Grin, Atilla, I Declare War, etc lived in Spokane for a while. He was a big bro in the music biz that shared his awesome life and connection with a kid in the 509 scene like me. For a moment, Artery was on top of the world and it was so cool to see what it’s like up there through the friendship and knowledge Mike shared. Thanks for everything Milf. Rest easy my friend.”Metal Injection reported that Milford co-founded Scars of Tomorrow in 2000. The site said the group developed a “West Coast take on “East Coast-style hardcore.”The band released six albums. The first of those was the 2002 album “All Things Change.” Its last album was the 2014 album “Failed Transmissions.” Scars of Tomorrow also released a single, “Perspectives,” in 2018.BARRY MITCHELLMitchell, best known as the former bassist for the legendary rock group Queen, died on Aug. 17.He was 76.“Terribly sad news just received that early Queen bass player (circa 1970), Barry Mitchell, has passed away,” Greg Brooks, the official archivist for Queen, wrote on Facebook. “His anecdotes at the convention were fascinating and offered rare insight. He will be greatly missed.”Mitchell was actually the second bassist for the band, according to People Magazine. He took over for Mike Grose in 1970 and was followed in the spot by Doug Bogie in 1971. “We played quite a few concerts in England, notably in Liverpool,” Mitchell said in a 2018 interview. “Since we didn’t have enough original songs to last a whole show and Freddie (Mercury) loved classic rock and roll, we played that too.”Mitchell told Rolling Stone that he was fired from Queen because his bandmates “thought I was useless.”“In fact, it was me who wasn’t enthusiastic enough about their music,” he said. “At the time, they weren’t at all the cult band you all know. I didn’t see the potential. It’s crazy to say this now, but it’s the truth.Queen released its first album in 1973, two years after parting ways with Mitchell.The group went on to a remarkable run and has sold an estimated 250 to 300 million albums. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. He went on to play in the bands Tiger and Crushed Butler. KENNY MORRIS Morris, the original drummer for the pioneering punk rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, died on Jan. 15.He was 68. John Robb first announced Morris’ death in Louder Than War. “Kenny was a friend of ours, and it was always a pleasure to see and hang out with him when visiting Cork in Ireland, where he had been living,” Robb wrote. “He was sweet, articulate, artistic and fascinating company and his beautiful eccentricity was adorable.“He would turn up in a suit and a dress with open handcuffs on one hand and the next time in a totally different yet perfectly created bricolage of style, whilst still dressing in the artful confrontation of the 1976 punk era that he was such a key part of,” he added.Billboard reported that Morris joined Siouxsie and the Banshees in 1977 as the band’s original full-time drummer. The outlet said that Morris saw the band perform the previous year with Sid Vicious on drums.“When I turned up for the audition, there was some drum kit there, and I was fiddling around trying to figure out how to even set the thing up when Nils Stevenson, the Banshees manager, came up to me, ‘You’re supposed to be a (expletive) drummer, aren’t ya?’” Morris said. I took an instant dislike to him. But by the end of the audition, we had eight songs.”By the time he was through with the band, leaving in 1979, he had played on two albums. After leaving the group, Billboard reported, Morris continued drumming, directed a handful of short films, and also pursued painting and drawing. CHUCK NEGRONNegron, a founding member and frontman for the beloved rock band Three Dog Night, died on Feb. 2.He was 83. Deadline reported that Negron had been battling COPD and was also suffering from heart failure in recent months. Folks turned out to remember Negron on social media after his death was announced.“RIP Chuck Negron from Three Dog Night,” Shae Roberts wrote on X. “Always loved his voice. Especially on ‘Easy To Be Hard.’ His cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Never Thought You’d Leave In Summer’ is glorious. Thank you for the music.”“A moment of silence, please, and one last glass of mighty fine win with Jeremiah, a bullfrog and good friend of mine, with the passing of Three Dog Night’s Chuck Negron,” another person wrote on X.“So sad to hear about the passing of Charles Negron from Three Dog Night,” another person wrote. “An incredible talent. I’m glad he defeated the addiction issues and called Jesus his Savior.”“Sad to hear Chuck Negron of 3 Dog Night passed today,” Rick Carter wrote on X. “He and the late Corey Wells were the real power behind that band, creating harmonies that rivaled the Beach Boys, Bee Gees and CS&N. The band sang other people’s songs but mad them monster hits … and Chuck was king.”There were plenty more comments like that. Negron joined up with Cory Wells and Danny Hutton in 1967 to form Three Dog Night, and Deadline said their ability to mix the roots of R&B, rock and urban doo-wop, helped make them one of the most popular bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s with nearly two dozen Billboard Top 40 hits. Negron’s voice may be best known to modern music fans for his performance of “Joy To The World (Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog)” and “One (Is The Loneliest Number).”Unfortunately, Negron’s career was derailed for a bit due to a drug addiction, but Dateline noted he returned and set out on a solo career in 1991 that resulted in seven new albums. The outlet said he toured regularly until the pandemic. CHRISTOPHER NORTH North, a founding member of Ambrosia, died on March 30.He was 75.The band shared the news of his death on its Facebook page. “Fans of Ambrosia, we honor the legendary life and career of our dearest family member Christopher North, the ‘Hammond B3 King’ whose sonic architecture defined a generation of progressive and soft rock,” the statement read. “A founding member since 1970, he was a keyboard wizard who brought an unmatched intensity and emotional depth to every performance. “We will always remember ‘Northwind’ for his fiery, ‘intense’ stage presence — a legacy that began when he was first discovered playing in a dimly lit room, his organ topped with a bottle of wine,” the statement continued. “Even as he faced health challenges in recent years, including a brave and successful battle with throat cancer, his spirit remained tied to the music and the fans he loved.”Fans were quick to respond.“I was fortunate enough to have met him,” Barrett West replied. “He will be dearly missed. My condolences.”“My heartfelt condolences to Chris’ family and his musical family Ambrosia,” Jim Magner replied. “As kids, Chris lived in my neighborhood. Like Chris, I also grew up on a Hammond. While I was in jr high a friend brought him over to my house and he was kind enough to share some tips that helped me playing. I was always inspired by his work with Ambrosia and Alan Parsons.”“Ambrosia my deepest condolences to you all,” Andrea Cobbs wrote. “I am glad I got to see him perform with you. May he Rest in Peace. God had other plans. He is in a much grander place than we are. May he play in the heavens now.”There were plenty more comments and you can see them all as well as the band’s post here. North was a native of San Francisco, California. He teamed with David Pack, Joe Puerta and Burleigh Drummond to form Ambrosia in 1970. The band had five Top 40 singles between 1975 and 1980. Those hits included “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me.” Ambrosia had five studio albums. The first, “Ambrosia,” came in 1976, and the last, “Road Island” was released in 1982. The band broke up following that album, but reunited in 1989 to play live shows. “Christopher North’s work did more than just fill the airwaves; it created ‘aural landscapes’ that balanced virtuosity with soulful, radio-friendly hooks,” the statement added. “We celebrate a true craftsman of the classic rock era whose lush piano lines and soaring organ swells will remain timeless. He was truly one of a kind and loved dearly by his fans and bandmates. RIP, Brother Chris, forever and ever in our hearts.”ALAN OSMOND Osmond, the eldest member of the beloved Osmond family, died on April 20.He was 76.Osmond was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987. ABC 4 reported that a spokesperson for the Osmonds said Alan died at 8:30 p.m. with his wife and children at his bedside. Fans and friends took to social media to share condolences and memories as the news spread. “Broken hearted to hear of the passing of my friend, Alan Osmond,” Danell Fawson wrote on Facebook. “He was an amazing entertainer, person and most of all a loving father. I was blessed to know him. Prayers of comfort to his family. May they find peace in the knowledge of entertain life and know he is whole again. RIP Alan.”“Still in shock,” Meg Richmond wrote on Facebook. “I got to meet Alan many times for which I am so grateful. He was the nicest and such an influential leader for the Osmond family —lifelong fan here, big part of my childhood and youth, just heartbroken! Keeping Suzanne and Alan’s sons and his brothers, sister Marie in my thoughts and prayers. God speed.”“Thinking about Alan Osmond this evening and the legacy of kindness, faith, and resilience he leaves behind,” Kristi Aland Wulfenstein wrote. “He touched countless lives with his music and his example. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the Osmond family — may they be lifted and strengthened in the days ahead.”There were plenty more comments like that on social media. Alan was the leader of “The Osmonds” which included his brothers Merrill, Jay, Donny and Jimmy. Along with his musical career, Alan Osmond worked as a producer on “Donny and Marie” and “The Osmond Family Show.”ABC 4 reported that Alan stepped away from performing in the 1970s to join the National Guard. He served for six years before returning to the music business. The outlet reported that Alan retired from music following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, although it noted he continued to work.And that work included helping to create the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon.“Upon meeting the entertainer, an ever-ready smile was ever prevalent,” the family spokesperson told ABC. “One might feel as though they had known him all their life. Others’ importance seemed to outshine his own, and he especially treasured the countless fans who supported the group.”The spokesperson also told ABC that Alan recently expressed a desire to be with his brother Wayne, who died in 2025.“We still have a lot of work to do together,” Alan reportedly said. “There is much catching up to keep us busy for a very long time.”DEE PALMER Palmer, who played keyboard and worked as an arranger for Jethro Tull, died on June 13.She was 88. Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson shared the news on social media. Anderson wrote that Palmer “died at home in Shropshire supported by some family members at the bedside.”“Dee had not been well during the last couple of years, but last time we spoke earlier in the year, (she) was still planning to record with an orchestra the music score of the ballet The Water’s Edge which Dee (David, back then) Martin Barre and I had written for performances by the Scottish Ballet in 1979,” Anderson wrote on Facebook. “I had agreed to play flute on the new recording and assumed it was delayed but still on the cards. “As David Palmer, Dee first had written brass section parts and conducted them on the track Move On Alone written by Mick Abrahams for our first album This Was back in 1968,” Anderson continued. “A few months later, I asked (her) to come up with the lovely string quartet arrangement for ‘A Christmas Song’ which was released on the B-side of our single Love Story in November 1968.”Anderson noted that Palmer was the arranger and conductor on the “Aqualung,” “WarChild,” “Minstrel In The Gallery” and “Too Old To Rock And Roll” albums. He wrote that Palmer eventually joined the group as a keyboard player “covering all the string parts on electric keyboards from 1976 until 1980.” Anderson also praised Palmer’s work with Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd and Queen.“David transitioned to Dee following psychological and medical consultations with surgery in 2004 following the death of his wife Maggie,” Anderson wrote. “(She) is survived by their four children. “My own favorite personal memories are mostly of the pipe-smoking, deep-voiced and creative co-conspirator with whom I enjoyed many a hot curry and a good blether under billowing clouds of St Bruno flake,” he added. “RIP Dave/Dee – no smoking in heaven apparently.”WALTER PARAZAIDER Parazaider, who was a founding member of Chicago, died on June 17. He was 81.Parazaider had reportedly been battling Alzheimer’s disease. DICK PARRY Parry, a legendary saxophonist who could be heard on some of Pink Floyd’s biggest hits, died on May 22.He was 83. His death was announced on social media by Pink Floyd bandmate David Gilmour.“My dear friend Dick Parry died this morning,” Gilmour wrote on Instagram. “Since I was seventeen, I have played in bands with Dick on saxophone, including Pink Floyd. His feel and tone make his saxophone playing unmistakable, a signature of enormous beauty that is known to millions and is such a big part of songs such as Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Wish You Were Here, Us and Them and Money.“He played in the last band I had that included Rick Wright for the On An Island Tour and at Live 8 with Pink Floyd,” he continued. “Here are some pictures of him, including one of him and me playing for the ABC Minors at the Victoria Cinema in Cambridge in 1963.”Fans and friends were quick to send love. “I’m very sorry for your loss, David,” Graham Nash wrote. “The sixth Floyd … Rest in Peace,” one person wrote. “The man died, the songs will last forever,” another wrote. “Rest easy.”Parry was a native of Kentford, Suffolk, England.He began his career as a saxophonist for the band The Soul Committee in 1965. He and Gilmour were lifelong friends, and it was Gilmour who reportedly asked Parry to join Pink Floyd in the studio.While he was talented with the saxophone, he could also be heard on the keyboard in some of Pink Floyd’s work. He also toured with another legendary rock group, The Who, in 1979 and 1980. WAYNE PERKINS Perkins, an iconic guitar player who helped influence bands likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Rolling Stones, died on March 16.He was 74.Perkins died in a Birmingham, Alabama hospital. His brother Dale Perkins announced his death on Facebook. “For those who haven’t heard, Wayne passed away yesterday peacefully,” he wrote. “Our sisters and family members were there with him. We appreciate all the kind thoughts and memories. He was one of a kind and we loved him very much and thank you all.”Perkins made a big impact as a session artist, playing behind artists such as Joe Cocker, Steve Winwood, Leon Russell and others. CBS 42 reported that he became friends with Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant, and was asked to join the band. Perkins turned down that overture though, and went out on tour with a trio that included Tim Smith and Smith Perkins Smith.Per CBS 42 he eventually ended up playing on several tracks on Bob Marley’s “Catch a Fire” album. He also played on Joni Mitchell’s “Count and Spark” and The Rolling Stones’ “Black and Blue.”Perkins reportedly nearly joined The Rolling Stones as well, and Keith Richards wrote in his book that the band “liked Perkins a lot.”His remarkable career began when he was just 15 years old. It was then that he reportedly landed his first gig as a session musician, and by the age of 16 he was already performing regularly. Perkins reportedly dealt with multiple brain tumors later in life, and according to reports he suffered a stroke on March 1 and was never able to recover. WAYNE PROCTORProctor, an influential guitarist and songwriter with the band We the People, died on Feb. 13. While the band did not find overwhelming fame, it did have an impact on the music world. “His songwriting helped define garage punk,” WORJ posted on Facebook. The station wrote that Proctor’s wife, Valerie, wrote on Facebook that she and her husband went shopping and had lunch on Friday before he “suffered a coronary event that happened quickly, and without notice.”“Looking for him while doing yardwork, I discovered him collapsed, not breathing, no pulse,” she wrote according to WORJ. “That moment ended my world. Destroyed, shattered into a million tiny razor sharp shards. It wasn’t supposed to end this way, not today, not this soon.”The station said his wife wrote that “those that knew Wayne, loved Wayne.”Proctor was a native of Leesburg, Florida. His obituary said his musical journey began at a young age, and he became a pivotal figure in Orlando’s music scene.It credited him with crafting many of We The People’s iconic songs including “My Brother, The Man” and “Mirror Of Your Mind.”Proctor left We The People in 1967 for college to avoid the Vietnam War but he remained active in music for the rest of his life. “Wayne Proctor’s legacy is that of a true architect of garage rock, whose raw energy and distinctive songwriting left an indelible mark on the genre,” his obit read.“His music continues to inspire and resonate with new generations of listeners, cementing his place in the annals of American rock and roll.”ANDREW RANKENRanken, who was best known as a founder member of The Pogues, died on Feb. 10. He was 72. He was nicknamed “The Clobberer” for his style as a drummer. DAVID “Z” RIVKIN Rivkin, a legendary producer and musician who rose to fame in the 1980s, died on Aug. 2.He was 78.His brother, Bobby Z, who was the drummer for Prince & the Revolution, told The Minnesota Star Tribune that David died on Sunday in a hospital in Burbank, California, due to complications from an infection.“David was the secret ingredient on many, many musical projects,” Owen Husney, who played alongside Rivkin in a band and also served as Prince’s first manager, said. “He stayed pretty silent about it. He never really talked about his work or what he did. His significance was undeniable on the Minneapolis music scene.”Rivkin was born in Minneapolis and was one of three brothers who found fame in the entertainment world. Along with Bobby Z, Stephen E. Rivkin is known for his work on films such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Avatar.”David Z was known for his work with such iconic musicians as Prince, Etta James, Buddy Guy and Billy Idol. Rivkin also helped Lipps Inc. create its hit song, “Funky Town,” in 1980.His Grammy wins came while teaming with James. His work on her album “Let’s Roll” helped bring home the award for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and in 2005 his work on “Blues to the Bone” helped win Best Traditional Blues Album. David Z also earned a nomination for Record of the Year for his work producing the Fine Young Cannibals’ hit “She Drives Me Crazy” in 1990.“Love & Respect & Gratitude to David ‘David Z’ (Rivkin) (older brother to Bobby Z from The Revolution) and architect of some of the most defining moments of what we will dub at ‘The Minneapolis sound,’” Questlove wrote on Facebook. “I mean ‘Funkytown’ was damn near a blueprint, one foot in disco and another foot the future — for the start of the 80s & ‘She Drives Me Crazy’ for the end of the 80s and in between sheeesh. His work for all the first slab of Paisley Park records down the pike goes overlooked (Jill’s debut, the Family, Mazeratti, Sheila) and of course he engineered Prince’s demos that got him a deal in addition to assisting on the 1999, Purple Rain, Parade, Sigh O The Times — even outside the Purple Circle I consider ‘Curiosity’ an even higher caliber jam above ‘Crush on You’ for the Jets prime funk from Uptown. “It took an army (& a revolutionary one at that) to build that soundtrack of our lives and David’s contributions were key,” he added. “Respect & Love & healing to his family and those who loved him as they deal with this loss.”SCOTT SECHMAN Sechman died on Aug. 17.He was 72.Sechman had been battling lung cancer and sharing his fight with followers on social media. The Dare Arts center was among the group mourning Sechman on Facebook.“Everyone at Dare Arts would like to extend their sincere condolences to the family of Scott Sechman,” its post read.“A talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Scott willingly shared his gift of music with us many times over the years. He played on our courthouse steps, during Frist Fridays, in our virtual Courthouse Sessions in 2020, and in the memorable ‘All Along The Watchtower’ exhibition opening celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s famous song. Scott was a special part of our music community, and we will miss him.”Sechman’s website noted that he had been playing music and singing since he was 15.Donna Gable Hatch, a correspondent at Galveston Monthly Magazine, also shared the news of Sechman’s death on social media. “Scott’s friends know that several years ago he was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer, along with other serious health problems,” she wrote. “For the better part of four years, he and his beloved Belinda made more trips than I could begin to count from the Outer Banks to Norfolk for treatments, appointments, tests and consultations. They lived through the peculiar tyranny of serious illness — waiting for results, celebrating good news, absorbing bad news, adjusting to a new reality and then doing it all over again. “After everything cancer had thrown at him, it wasn’t cancer that finally took Scott,” she added. “In the end, his body could no longer do the most elemental thing we ask of it — breathe. There is something almost unbearably poignant about that to me. A man whose life had been built around breath — breath to sing, breath behind a harmonica, breath carrying words, arguments, laughter and music — finally reached a point where his body simply could not do it anymore.”NEIL SEDAKA Sedaka died on FEb. 27.He was 86. TMZ was the first to report his passing. The outlet reported that the singer was not feeling well on and was taken to a hospital via ambulance where he died.“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” the family said in a statement to TMZ. “A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at lest to those of us where were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”TMZ reported that Sedaka was taken to the hospital at around 8 a.m. An official cause of death has not been reported. Social media was quick to react to the news of Sedaka’s death.“I lost a dear friend today,” Fred Bronson wrote on X. “He made the world a better place with his music. His legacy will live forever. RIP, Neil Sedaka.”“Terrible news: One of pop music’s performing-composing icons has passed,” Jay Bobbin wrote on X. “(Nei Sedaka) had some of the top classics ever to land on the charts including ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do’ (which he had a hit with twice), ‘Calendar Girl’ and ‘Laughter in the Rain.’ A brilliant talent.”Sedaka’s professional career began in 1957, and after a short stint with a doo-wop group called “The Tokens,” his solo career took off. He had those hits listed by Bobbin above through the 1950s and early 1960s, but he found his way back to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Laugher in the Rain” and “Bad Blood” in 1975. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983.FRED SMITHSmith, a bass player known for his work with the bands Television and Blondie, died on Nov. 4.He was 77.“The legendary bassist for Television, Tom Verlaine and many others, Fred Smith, was not only my bandmate for 46 years — he was my true friend,” Television’s Jimmy Rip wrote on the band’s Instagram page on Friday. “He was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome. His sense of humor, much like his musical voice, was dry, subtle, to the point, hilarious and always left you wanting more. Yesterday, he left this world, leaving so many who loved him wanting so much more … of him. “If you are a lover of melodic bass lines and counterpoint, you could go to school on what Fred created so effortlessly,” Rip added further down into his long statement. “He was a natural — never flashy, always essential — always serving the song in ways that only the greatest musicians can.”Rip added that Smith “fought his illness long and hard these last few years, looking always forward to new projects.”“It just wasn’t meant to be,” he added. “Thankfully, we were able to say goodbye, ‘love you’ were our last words to each other. I will miss him more than anyone can imagine.”Variety reported that Smith began his career playing with Angel and the Snake which eventually became the iconic band, Blondie. He left the group and joined Television. Through the years, the outlet reported, he played with a long line of bands and musicians included Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, The Roches, Willie Nile, Pergrins, The Revelons and The Fleshtones. FELIPE STAITIStaiti, the frontman and founding member for the legendary rock group Enanitos Verdes, died on April 13.He was 64.Billboard.com reported that Staiti died after being hospitalized in Mendoza, Argentina. The outlet reported that Staiti died from complications from a bacterial infection that was worsened due to preexisting conditions. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Felipe Staiti,” the band wrote on Instagram. “His music, his dedication, and his story will remain forever with us and with all those who have been by his side over the years. Felipe’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of calls and messages of support they are receiving at this time.”Staiti was a guitarist for the band, but he took over as the frontman following the 2022 death of then frontman Marciano Cantero. The band produced some major hits such as “Lamento Boliviano,” which hit a billion streams, per Billboard. Billboard also recently featured the band on its list of the 50 Greatest Latin Rock Bands of All Time.Staiti was born in Mendoza, Argentina, and formed his first band, Esencia Natural, at the age of 17. He helped form Enanitos Verdes, which translates to The Green Dwarfs, in 1979.The band released 14 studio albums with the first, “The Green Dwarfs,” coming in 1984, and the last, “Tic Tac,” coming in 2013. The band also dropped four live albums, with the last of those, “Scrambled Eggs,” coming in 2018.TERRY SULLIVANSullivan, a drummer for the popular rock band Renaissance in the 1970s, died on Jan. 9.He was 87.Renaissance singer Annie Haslam first shared the news on social media, per Loudersound.“It is with great sadness to let you know that Terry Sullivan our drummer from the classic Renaissance lineup has passed away!” Haslam wrote. “He was surrounded by his family and a room full of Love when he peacefully passed. He was a GREAT drummer, a warm human being, caring, funny and also an excellent songwriter. Please say prayers for Terry, his wife Christine, sons Lee and Kristian and grandson Ashton and all his family, friends and fans all over the world who will miss him. “We were only talking a few weeks ago reminiscing about our glory days and how far we had come in four years to end up at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Chorale Society,” she added. “Every dream anyone could wish for we had, and not forgetting the incomparable music we were blessed to create. It was a lovely conversation I will hold inside forever.”She also shared a photo of Sullivan and added, “Always in my Heart Terry.”Per Loudersound, Sullivan actually had some early minor success playing with a band called Dry Ice that took part in shows that featured the likes of The Who, Pink Floyd and King Crimson. But his big break came when he returned home to the United Kingdom from the United States and answered an ad in “Melody Maker.” According to Loudersound, that ad, looking for a drummer, was placed by Renaissance. He first appeared on the band’s 1972 album “Prologue,” and was with the group through 1979’s “Azure d’Or.” Loudersound said Sullivan left the group after that album when his friend and keyboardist John Tout was fired for a mistake onstage. The outlet said Sullivan and Tout returned to help with the band’s 2001 album “Tuscanny.”VERNON TAYLOR Taylor, a country and rockabilly artist who rose to fame in the 1950s, died on July 12.He was 88.Taylor, who was born Walton Alderton, reportedly had a long battle with dementia.Taylor formed his first band, The Nighthawks, when he was just 15. Despite the young age of its members, the band had some big breaks. It was tapped to play between sets for Curley Smith, of the band Boston, and even managed to play on an hour-long show out of Washington, D.C. from 1957 through 1960.Taylor signed with Sun Records after being spotted on “American Band Stand”, and he was credited as a pioneer of rockabilly music.Taylor released four albums. The first of those was “I’ve Got The Blues”/”Losing Game” in 1957. The last was 1959’s “Mystery Train”/”Sweet and Easy Love.”Taylor stepped away from the stage after 1959, when his final two records failed to hit the charts. He returned to performing in 1989, according to Suggest.com, for a concert benefitting Charlie Feathers. The outlet reported that marked a return for Taylor to the music scene as he began performing and releasing music again.Suggest.com reported that he died one day after his brother, Luther, and that the family said the two had been battling “lengthy illnesses.”“Rest in peace Vernon Taylor,” Kevin Booth wrote on Facebook. “He passed away a few days ago. One of the last Sun artists. I had the honor of doing a show with him and Ronnie Dove many years ago. He was a very nice man and a great performer. My prayers for his family and loved ones.”The Fabulous Hubcaps remembered Taylor and their “long and lasting friendship” with him.“Vernon … we’re sure they welcomed you into Rock and Roll Heaven with open arms and big wide hugs,” the band wrote. “Rock on friend … rock on.”TONY THORPEThorpe, the guitarist for the popular 1970s pop and rock group The Rubettes, died in July.He was 80.A statement was posted to his Facebook page on July 17 announcing his death.“It is with great sadness that we officially announce the passing of Anthony John Thorpe,” the post read. “He was a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians young and old. “His recently failing health did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humour,” the statement continued. “He will leave an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew him, or his music. Our love and thoughts go to his son Clayton.”The Rubettes formed in 1974, and their first single, “Sugar Baby Love,” rose to No. 1 on the UK charts and stayed there for four weeks. It made it to No. 37 on the charts in the United States.Thorpe was with the band through 1979 along with Alan Williams, John Richardson, Pete Arnesen, Mick Clarke and Bill Hurd. The Independent reported that Thorpe eventually left the band over creative differences. Thorpe worked with several other bands when he left, and even released his own music and wrote a memoir.“Mercifully now at peace,” Williams wrote on Facebook. “Dear Tony, our paths have crossed but fleetingly during which time was conceived wondrous music and often hilariously memorable moments.“Your brilliance with the axe and the pen cannot be denied and remains with us, never forgotten,” he added. “Rest now Cowboy. Alan.”JAMES VALENTINE Valentine, a popular ABC radio and television host for more than 30 years and a rock musician, died on April 23.He was 64.Valentine died by assisted suicide at home two years after he was diagnosed with cancer, according to multiple reports. “James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him,” his family said in a statement. “Throughout his illness, James did it his way, which lasted all the way until the day when he made the choice to do voluntary assisted dying,” the statement continued. “Both he and his family are grateful he was given the option to go out on his own terms. He was calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh.”Valentine was living in Sydney, Australia. He was a saxophonist, and his music career took off in 1982 when he was a member of Jo Jo Zep. He also played with Model from 1984 to 1987 and Absent Friends from 1989 to 1990. He was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame as a member of the Models in 2010. Valentine hosted radio and television shows for ABC for nearly 40 years. He hosted “The Afternoon Show” on ABC TV from 1987 through 1990. He worked for 702 ABC Sydney for more than 25 years before retiring because of his illness. He announced in March 2024 that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He returned to the airwaves in 2025 but left again after doctors discovered tumors in his omentum. GEORGE WADENIUS Wadenius, best known for his work with Blood, Sweat & Tears in the 1970s as well as the Saturday Night Live Band, died on April 30.He was 80.His family first shared the news on Facebook on May 1. “It is with great sorrow that Jennifer Gilman and I share the news of our father, George Wadenius’s sudden passing.,” the post read. “Our family will share more information about memorial ceremonies and ways to honor his legacy and memory soon.”Wadenius helped found two Swedish supergroups — Made in Sweden and Solar Plexus.He played with Made in Sweden from 1966 through 1972 and also again in 1976. Solar Plexus was together from 1971 through 1972.He then moved on to join Blood, Sweat & Tears as its lead guitarist in 1972. He was with the group through 1975.Wadenius then joined the Saturday Night Live Band for the popular show in 1979 and was there through 1985. He has also played guitar for the likes of Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, Paul Simon and Luther Vandross.Wadenius appeared on more than 100 albums during his career. He released 21 albums of his own, including a series of children’s music. He was on seven more albums with Made in Sweden and four albums with Blood, Sweat & Tears. “George Wadenius has passed away,” Emil Ernebro wrote on Facebook. “George meant more to me than I can put into words. He was a mentor, a role model, an inspiration … but above all, he was a friend. So much of what I do today in my life is there because of him. He believed in me when it mattered most, opened doors, and showed me the way forward. Through him, I’ve also had the chance to get to know so many incredible musicians and people. We spoke on the phone on Wednesday. About live, music … everything. We were finally going to meet this coming week when he was coming to Gothenburg. “It hurts that it won’t happen,” he added. “At the time, I am so incredibly grateful for our last conversation. And for everything he gave me in music, in friendship, and in life. “Thank you for everything, Jojje. You will always be with me.”Wadenius remained active until his death, reportedly performing just days beforehand. ALAN WALDEN Walden, a manager who helped bring some of music’s most iconic acts to the world, died on July 16.He was 83.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said that Walden died after spending several weeks in hospice care. Parade Magazine credited Walden with helping launch the careers of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers and Otis Redding. The outlet also called him “one of the architects of Southern rock.”Along with his brother Phil Walden, Alan helped build Capricorn Records. He also worked with the likes of Sam & Dave, Percy Sledge, Al Green, Etta James and Boz Scaggs.Walden left Capricorn Records in 1970 and founded Hustler’s Inc., where he discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd. Parade said he managed the band through its “formative years” and helped it deliver classic songs such as “Free Bird,” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”He was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2003.“We are deeply saddened by the news of Alan Walden’s passing,” the Outlaws shared on Facebook. “Alan teamed up with Charlie Brusco in 1974 to represent the Outlaws in a management capacity. They were instrumental in securing our first recording contract with Arista Records. Alan was also our first publisher and remained a good friend to me throughout his entire life. Our hearts go out to his wife, Tosha and all his children. Sincerely, Henry Paul.”“The Redding family is deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Walden,” a statement on Redding’s Facebook page read. “Alan was a cherished friend of both Otis Redding and the Redding family. We are grateful for his friendship, his support, and the lasting impact he made on our family and the music world. Our heartfelt condolences are with Alana’s family and all who loved him.”GARY WALKER Walker, the last surviving member of the legendary rock band the Walker Brothers, died on March 1.He was 83. According to reports, Walker, whose real name was Gary Leeds, suffered a stroke before Christmas. He died on March 1 in Essex, England. He was a native of Glendale, California, and he began his professional career as a musician in 1962 when he was recruited to join The Standells. He was with the group through 1964. That year he met John Walker, whose real name was John Maus, and Scott Walker, who real name was Scott Engel, and they convinced Gary to change his last name to Walker for the stage and join their band, The Walker Brothers. John Walker died in 2011 and Scott Walker died in 2019. The Daily Mail reported that a friend of Leeds’ wife, Barbara Leeds, announced his death for her in a social media post. “Our beloved Gary passed away this evening and I know you will all join me in sending our deepest sympathy and love to all the members of the Leeds family and their close friends. Gary was the loveliest of guys and I take comfort in the knowledge that all of you here, with your love and messages on his birthdays and at Christmas, made him very, very happy that you all still cared and loved him just as much as you always have. “Rest in loving peace our wonderful Mr. Gary Walker,” the statement continued. “We will all miss you very, very much and it was a joy to have you in our lives.”The Daily Mail reported that Leeds’ father actually financially backed The Walker Brothers when they were getting started, and the group moved from the United States to London in 1965.The group gained fame but eventually split up in 1968. They reunited in 1975 and split again in 1978. TRAVIS WAMMACKWammack died on Feb. 27.He was 81. FAME Recording Studios shared the news of Wammack’s death on social media. “Today, we say goodbye to our brother,” the post on Facebook read. “It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Travis Wammack guitarist, producer, hitmaker, innovator … and forever a member of the FAME family. “Travis wasn’t just past of the FAME Gang he helped define the sound,” the statement continued. “His guitar work carried a fire and finesse that could shake the walls or whisper straight to your soul. From explosive riffs to tasteful textures, he had that rare gift. You knew it was Travis within the first few notes. He brought grit, creativity, and unmistakable authenticity to every session. But beyond the music, he brought heart. A true Shoals original, Travis showed up for the songs, for the artists, and for the people in the room. He believed in the magic that happens when great musicians lock in together and he was often in the spark.”The statement said that Wammack’s “legacy runs through countless recordings and through the spirit of this place. The sound of FAME carries his fingerprints, and it always will.”“We are grateful for the years, the laughter, the stories, and the music,” the statement continued. “We honor his life the best way we know how by keeping the music playing.”Wammack was a native of Walnut, Mississippi. He released his first record when he was just 11, and had an instrumental — “Scratchy” — on the charts when he was just 17.Wammack served as the band leader for Little Richard from 1984 through 1995. He produced 16 albums across his career. Wammack was inducted in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and was recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. TERRY “BUFFALO” WARE Ware died on Aug. 5.He was 76. KOSU reported that Ware died after a battle with lung cancer. The station reported that Ware was known for his work with Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jimmy LaFave and John Fulbright. Hubbard was one of those who took to social media to remember Ware. “Terry ‘Buffalo’ Ware,” Hubbard wrote. “A remarkable life. A remarkable man. A remarkable friend.”He was not alone, though. “Terry Buffalo Ware left us today,” Chris Buhalis wrote on Facebook. “I was lucky to be friends with Buff for nearly 30 years. He was an amazing musician, friend, husband, and OU Women’s Basketball Fan. A fierce lover of his friends and detester of rat bastards. I’ll miss being on the planet with him. I visited with him 4 weeks ago before the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival. We had ice cream and talked like old times. When I was getting ready to leave, Buff said, ‘want to play a song?’ We played a couple.”Buhalis also shared a photo.“Not sure what year this photo is from, but I know that right before we went on, Buff told me, ‘Remember, Chris. If the introduction is longer than the song, that’s not professional.’ Because he always did. He was the best of us.”“Still processing the super-sad news about the loss of Terry Buffalo Ware,” Nancy K Dillon wrote on Facebook. “Good friend to so many of us, kind to all and a kick ass Oklahoma born musician. I had the good fortune to play a few gigs with him along the way. The last time I got to hang out with him as bit was when he was touring with Fullbright in 2013. They came through Seattle and stayed at my place after playing a great show at Seattle’s Showbox Theatre across from the Pike Place Market.”“Well, (expletive),” Jennifer Robertson wrote on Facebook. “Terry Buffalo Ware has left the building and I’m still not sure what to say about it. He was one of the finest musicians around and I’m pretty sure anyone who ever played with him would say the same. He was technically brilliant, yes, but he also *paid attention*. Deep Attention. When he performed, you could see his constant connection with the other musicians onstage. He was generous, always giving space and credit, willing to be in the background, helping the others shine so everyone wanted to play with him.“Terry Buffalo Ware and his wife, Jean Ware, are among the finest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing,” she added. “Generous, kind and loving, they built their relationship over decades into one any of us might envy but few are willing to earn. I regularly saw them walking through the neighborhood together. On fine days until she retired, he walked to OU to ‘pick her up’ from work. His struggled is ended, but, Oh, Jean! I am so sorry for your loss!”Ware said that he learned to play guitar after watching “The Beatles” play on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964. He played in bands in high school and in college at the University of Oklahoma, and after he graduated in 1972, KOSU reported that he moved to Red River, New Mexico, where he met Hubbard. Together they formed Ray Wylie Hubbard & The Cowboys Twinkies and toured through the 1970s. According to KOSU, The Cowboy Twinkies disbanded, and Ware moved back home in the early 1980s. He then formed the rock band The Sensational Shoes, and they played around Oklahoma City.Ware reunited with Hubbard in 1986 and toured the United States and Europe. He had a long and versatile career and was even a member of the Oklahoma Sooners marching band for a year. Ware was named a Texas Tornado by Buddy Magazine in 1999. From 2000 on, he worked as a freelance guitarist, playing with many artists. He also teamed with Bob Childers in 2003 to record “Two Buffalos Walking-Live at The Blue Door.”Ware also released 12 albums. The first, “Buffalo Tracks”, was issued in 2001, and his last, “The Buffarama Chronicles, Vol. 2”, came in 2024.BOB WEIRWeir, the legendary guitarist and founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on Jan. 10.He was 78.His death was announced with a lengthy statement published on his website.“He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, he succumbed to underlying lung issues.“For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road,” the statement continued. “A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music. His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them. Every chord he played, every word he sang was an integral part of the stories he wove. There was an invitation: to feel, to question, to wander, and to belong.”The statement then got into the Weir’s last days.“Bobby’s final months reflected the same spirit that defined his life,” it read. “Diagnosed in July, he began treatment only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park. Those performances, emotional, soulful, and full of light, were not farewells, but gifts. Another act of resilience. An artist choosing, even then, to keep going by his own design. As we remember Bobby, it’s hard not to feel the echo of the way he lived. A man driftin’ and dreamin’, never worrying if the road would lead him home. A child of countless trees. A child of boundless seas.“There is no final curtain here, not really,” the statement continued. “Only the sense of someone setting off again. He often spoke of a three-hundred-year legacy, determined to ensure the songbook would endure long after him. May that dream live on through future generations of Dead Heads. And so we send him off the way he sent so many of us on our way: with a farewell that isn’t an ending, but a blessing. A reward for a life worth livin’.”The statement noted that his family requests privacy in the wake of his death.“May we honor him not only in sorrow, but in how bravely we continue with open hearts, steady steps, and the music leading us home,” the statement closed by saying. “Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings.”Weir helped found the Grateful Dead and founded and played in several other bands. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band in 1994, and he received Kennedy Center Honors in 2024. IKE WILLIS Willis, the longtime guitarist known for playing alongside Frank Zappa, died on May 16.He was 70. Willis said in 2021 that he was battling prostate cancer. “Rest in Peace, Ike Willis,” Chad Wackerman, former drummer for Zappa, wrote on Instagram. “We toured together with Frank in ’84 and ’88. Ike was so much fun to be around. His ability to be creative and humorous gave Frank so much joy on stage. He was a talented guitarist, but more than that, he was one of the most incredible singers I have (had) the honor to work with. Some nights on the stage his singing would give me chills. A few years ago, Ike showed up to a Banned from Utopia Show at the Baked Potato and killed the crowd with ‘Keep it Greasey.’ I’m sure he (is) singing now.”Willis joined Zappa’s band in 1978 and he was active into 2026.He was best known for playing Joe in Zappa’s “Joe’s Garage.” He also played the title character and narrated Zappa’s off-Broadway musical “Thing Fish.”Willis was with Zappa through his final tour in 1988. He also created two albums with his, “The Ike Willis Band,” and released two albums — 1987’s “Should’a Gone Before I left,” and 1998’s “Dirty Pictures.”Also, Parade Magazine noted that Zappa remained associated with Zappa’s music following the singer’s death in 1993 and even performed in a handful of tribute bands