List of Legends

Prelude (you can skip this if you're not interested in my opinions and thoughts)

This a sort of List of Legends instead of Hall of Fame or anything like that. This is also the first and possibly the last entry in English in this blog. Despite that, this "gallery" is merely towarded to my fellow Finns since the list contains major Finnish influences who aren't that well known abroad.

Everybody knows the "27 Club"? Sure thing, but I decided to enlarge that list to a lot greater amount of (more or less well known) musicians that have suffered premature death. Many of them (mostly depending of how long ago have them died and under what circumstances) have gained a sort of legendary/cult status.

Some of these people aren't listed due to any remarkable musical achievements. For instance Sid Vicious is mostly known as the most famous bass player with the least skills. Per Yngve Ohlin contributed vocals only for a couple of records although he is widely considered as the most legendary singer of Mayhem.

Every little introduction is straightly copied from Wikipedia with a couple of exceptions (my own research and/or translations). Thus shall be credited those who have written the sentences in the first place.

Only the 27 club is separated. What's being premature and what's not is a little difficult to determine but I decided that the age limit is somewhere around 50 years, depending on occasion, and I allowed a couple of exceptions.

Unfortunately or not, there will not be names like Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Ronnie James Dio, Tapio Rautavaara, Gary Moore etc listed here, nor Mozart, Beethoven or Modest Mussorgsky. Altogether, I decided to stick in popular music.

The names are in alphabethical order by the first letter I've written down. CTRL+F will help you to find the person you want because for instance Bonzo Bonham is found from section J, not B, although he's better known by name Bonzo than his real name John.

This was "a little" too long for an introduction. It's my bad habit.

27 club for starters. (I didn't add every single name listed in the Wikipedia's article.)

Alan "Blind Owl" Christie Wilson (July 4, 1943 – September 3, 1970) was the leader, singer, and primary composer in the American blues band Canned Heat. Drug overdose. 27 yo.

Christopher Branford "Chris" Bell (January 12, 1951 – December 27, 1978) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist born in Memphis, Tennessee. Traffic accident. 27 yo.

David Michael Alexander (June 3, 1947 – February 10, 1975) was an American musician, best known as the original bassist for influential protopunk band The Stooges. Pulmonary edema. 27 yo.

Dickie Pride (21 October, 1941 — 26 March, 1969) was a British rock and roll singer. Overdose of sleeping pills. 27 yo.

Gary Mervin Thain (15 May 1948 – 8 December 1975) was a rock bassist, best known for his work with British band, Uriah Heep. Drug overdose. 27 yo.

Helmut Köllen (March 2, 1950 - May 3, 1977) was a German musician of Triumvirat's fame. Carbon monoxide poisoning. 27 yo.

James Douglas "Jim" Morrison (December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971) was an American singer, songwriter, poet, writer and filmmaker. Official cause of death listed as "heart failure"; however, no autopsy was performed. 27 yo.

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Asphyxiated on vomit after combining sleeping pills with wine. 27 yo.

Janis Lyn Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) was an American singer, songwriter and music arranger. Probable heroin overdose. 27 yo.

Jesse Lorenzo Belvin (December 15, 1932 – February 6, 1960) was an American R 'n' B singer, pianist and songwriter popular in the 1950s, whose success was cut short by his death. Car crash. 27.

Kristen Marie Pfaff (May 26, 1967 – June 16, 1994) was an American bass guitarist, best known for her work with Hole. Heroin overdose. 27 yo.

Kurt Donald Cobain (February 20, 1967 – c. April 5, 1994) was an American singer–songwriter and musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Nirvana. Heroin overdose, shot himself with a shotgun. 27 yo.

Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones (28 February 1942 – 3 July 1969), better known as Brian Jones, was an English musician and founding member of The Rolling Stones. Drowned in swimming pool. 27 yo.

Linda Jones (December 14, 1944 – March 14, 1972) was an American soul singer. Diabetes–related complications. 27 yo.

Mia Katherine Zapata (August 25, 1965 – July 7, 1993) was the lead singer for the Seattle punk band The Gits. Raped and murdered. 27 yo.

Patrick Lamark Hawkins (December 4, 1970 – February 3, 1998), better known by his stage name Fat Pat, was a rapper from Houston, Texas who was a member of DEA (Dead End Alliance). Shot to death. 27 yo.

Pete Ham (born Peter William Ham, 27 April 1947 – 24 April 1975) was a Welsh singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known as the leader of the group Badfinger. Suicide by hanging. 27 yo.

Richard James Edwards (born 22 December 1967, presumed decease c. 1 February 1995) was rhythm guitarist and lyricist of the alternative rock band Manic Street Preachers, from Blackwood, Wales. Disappeared and was never seen afterwards. 27 yo although the date of death (if he's dead) is unsure.

Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American blues musician, among the most famous of Delta blues musicians. Reason of death is unknown, but typically credited to strychnine poisoning. 27 yo.

Ronald C. "Pigpen" McKernan (September 8, 1945 – March 8, 1973) was a founding member of the Grateful Dead. His contributions to the band included vocals, Hammond organ, harmonica, percussion, and occasionally guitar. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to alcohol abuse. 27 yo.

Others than the ones died at the age of 27:

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001), who performed under the mononym Aaliyah Pl was an American recording artist, actress and model. Plane crash. 22 yo.

Aki Pekka Antero Sirkesalo (July 25, 1962 in Toijala, Finland – December 26, 2004 in Khao Lak, Thailand) was a Finnish singer who gained fame in bands Giddyups, Veeti and the Velvets and mainly with his solo career. Died in Tsumani disaster with his wife and children. 42 yo.

Albert Ayler (July 13, 1936 – November 25, 1970) was an American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer and composer. Suicide. 34 yo.

Aleksandr "Sammy" Babitzin (July 11, in Helsinki, Finland – April 29, 1973 in Saarijärvi, Finland) was a Finnish musician who belonged to a musician family, including also his siblings Kirka, Muska, Ykä and Anna. Car accident. 24 yo.

Larkin Allen Collins Jr. (July 19, 1952 – January 23, 1990), better known as, Allen Collins, was one of the founding members and guitarists of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and co-wrote many of the band's songs with late frontman Ronnie Van Zant. Respiratory failure. 37 yo.

Andrew Wood (January 6, 1966 – March 19, 1990), born in Columbus, Mississippi, was the lead singer of the band Mother Love Bone, and earlier the singer and bassist of Malfunkshun. Heroin overdose resulting in cerebral hypoxia. 24 yo.

Arto Arvo Juhani Sotavalta (January 7, 1950 Helsinki – March 6, 1990 Helsinki) was a Finnish "schlanger"-styled singe who gained success in 60's and 70's. His perhaps most notable line-up was called Häkäpönttö. Pneumonia. 40 yo.

Asko Olavi Raivio (December 4, 1947 – July 28, 1989 Teisko, Tampere) was a Finnish musician and best known as the leader of band called Kaseva between years 1974–1982. Drowned. 41 yo.

Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer, sometimes referred to as The Empress of the Blues, and the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. Car accident. 43 yo.

Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan, April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Holiday was a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing, pioneering a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. Liver cirrhosis after serious substance abuse. 44 yo.

Billy Murcia (1951 – November 6, 1972) born in Bogotá, Colombia and raised in Jackson Heights, New York, was the original drummer for the New York Dolls. After an accidental overdose, he was put in a bathtub and force–fed coffee, in an attempt to revive him, which resulted in asphyxiation and death. 20 or 21 yo, depends of his birth date that remains unknown to me.

"Blind" Lemon Jefferson (September 24, 1893 – December 19, 1929) was a blues singer and guitarist from Texas. He was one of the most popular blues singers of the 1920s, and has been titled "Father of the Texas Blues". Several theories, varying from been poisoned or murdered otherwise to having been frozen to death. 36 yo.

Robert Gaston "Bobby" Fuller (October 22, 1942 – July 18, 1966) was an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitar player best known for his singles "I Fought the Law" and "Love's Made a Fool of You," recorded with his mid–1960s group, the Bobby Fuller Four. Asphyxiation, burned to death (petechia found from his body) or murdered. 23 yo.

Brent Mydland (October 21, 1952 – July 26, 1990) was the fourth keyboardist to play for the American rock band the Grateful Dead. He was with the band for eleven years, longer than any other keyboardist. Drug overdose. 37 yo.

Carl Dean Wilson (December 21, 1946 – February 6, 1998) was an American rock and roll singer and guitarist, best known as a founding member, lead guitarist and sometime lead vocalist of The Beach Boys among his two brothers. Cancer. 41 yo.

Cass Elliot (September 19, 1941 – July 29, 1974), born Ellen Naomi Cohen, was a noted American singer, best remembered as Mama Cass of the pop quartet The Mamas & the Papas. Heart attack. 32 yo.

Cassie LaRue Gaines (January 9, 1948 – October 20, 1977) was an American singer. She was a member of the female gospel vocal trio The Honkettes, who in 1975 became the backup singers for Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Plane crash. 29 yo.

Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), known professionally as Buddy Holly, was an American singer–songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll. Plane crash. 22 yo.

Charles Henry "Charlie" Christian (July 29, 1916 – March 2, 1942) was an American swing and jazz guitarist. Health failure. 25 yo.

Charles Michael "Chuck" Schuldiner (May 13, 1967 – December 13, 2001) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and musical genre innovator, best known as the founder of influential death metal band Death. Died of pontine glioma, a type of brain cancer. 34 yo.

Charles Parker, Jr. (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. The official causes of death were lobar pneumonia and a bleeding ulcer. 34 yo.

Charlie Patton, better known as Charley Patton (born between April 1887 & 1891 – April 28, 1934) is best known as an American Delta blues musician. He is considered by many to be the "Father of the Delta Blues". Heart disease. 42 yo although his birth date is not sure.

Christopher "Criss" Michael Oliva (April 3, 1963 – October 17, 1993) was born in Pompton Plains, NJ. He was the lead guitarist in, and co–founder of, the band Savatage. A traffic accident (car crash). 30 yo.

Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997), popularly known as Biggie Smalls or simply Biggie, Frank White and by his primary stage name The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. Shot to death. 24 yo.

Clifford Brown (October 30, 1930 – June 26, 1956), aka "Brownie," was an influential and highly rated American jazz trumpeter. Car accident. 25 yo.

Clifford Lee Burton (February 10, 1962 – September 27, 1986) was an American bassist best known as the bass player of American thrash metal band Metallica. Bus accident. 24 yo.

Colin Flooks (29 December 1947 – 5 April 1998), better known as Cozy Powell, was an English rock drummer who made his name with many major rock bands, including The Jeff Beck Group, Bedlam, Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Whitesnake, Emerson, Lake & Powell, Forcefield, Black Sabbath and Brian May. Car crash. 50 yo.

Curtis Ousley (February 7, 1934 – August 13, 1971), who performed under the stage name King Curtis, was an American saxophone virtuoso known for rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, funk and soul jazz. Stabbed. 37 yo.

D. Boon (born Dennes Dale Boon, April 1, 1958 – December 23, 1985) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist of The Reactionarieses and Minutemen's fame. Van accident. 27 yo.

Danny Gatton (September 4, 1945 – October 4, 1994) was an American guitarist who fused rockabilly, jazz, and country styles to create his own distinctive style of playing. Suicide by shooting himself. 49 yo.

Darby Crash (born Jan Paul Beahm) (September 26, 1958 – December 7, 1980) was an American punk musician who, along with long time friend Pat Smear (born Georg Ruthenberg), co–founded The Germs. Intentional heroin overdose. 22 yo.

Darrell Lance Abbott (August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004) was an American guitarist, best known as a founding member of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan. Was shot during a gig. 38 yo.

Dave Lepard (born David Roberto Hellman (May 28, 1980 – January 20, 2006, Uppsala, Sweden) was the lead singer and guitarist in the Swedish Glam metal band Crashdïet. Committed suicide. 25 yo.

David Byron (29 January 1947 – 28 February 1985) born as David Garrick was the original lead vocalist for Spice (from 1967 through 1969) and is most famous for singing in the rock band Uriah Heep between 1969 and 1976. Alcohol related complications. 38 yo.

Dee Dee Ramone, born Douglas Glenn Colvin, (September 18, 1951 – June 5, 2002) was a German–American songwriter and bassist, best remembered as a founding member of the punk rock band The Ramones. Heroin overdose. 50 yo.

Dennis Carl Wilson (December 4, 1944 – December 28, 1983) was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. Drowned while being intoxicated. 39 yo.

Donald "Ean" Wayne Evans (September 16, 1960 - May 6, 2009) was the bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd from 2001 until his death. He joined the band following the death of Leon Wilkeson. Cancer. 48 yo.

Dorsey Burnette (December 28, 1932, Memphis, Tennessee – August 19, 1979, Canoga Park, California) was an early Rockabilly singer. With his younger brother, Johnny Burnette, and a friend named Paul Burlison, he was a founder member of The Rock and Roll Trio. Massive coronary. 46 yo.

Édith Piaf (19 December 1915 – 11 October 1963), born Édith Giovanna Gassion, was a French singer and cultural icon who became universally regarded as France's greatest popular singer. Her singing reflected her life, with her specialty being ballads. Liver cancer. 47 yo.

Edward Earl "Eddie" Hazel (April 10, 1950 – December 23, 1992) was a guitarist in early funk music in the United States who played lead guitar with Parliament–Funkadelic. Internal bleeding and liver failure. 42 yo.

Edward Ray Cochran (October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960) was an American rock and roll musician and an important influence on popular music during the late 1950s, early 1960s. Traffic accident. 21 yo.

Elvis Aaron (or Aron) Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American musician and actor. Widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King". He suffered from multiple ailments—glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver damage, and an enlarged colon, each aggravated, and possibly caused, by drug abuse. He was probably also suffering from degenerative arthritis, fueling his addiction to painkillers. Found unresponsive on his bathroom floor, attempts to revive him failed, and death was officially pronounced at 3:30 pm at Baptist Memorial Hospital. 42 yo.

Emily Remler (September 18, 1957 – May 4, 1990) was an American jazz guitarist who rose to prominence in the 1980s. She recorded seven albums of hard bop, jazz standards and fusion guitar. Heart attack following heroin addiction. 32 yo.

Eric Allan Dolphy (June 20, 1928 – June 29, 1964) was an American jazz alto saxophonist, flautist, and bass clarinetist. Most likely an insulin shock after a diabetes–related health failure. 36 yo.

Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1963 – March 26, 1995), better known by the stage name Eazy–E, was an American rapper, producer, and record executive from Compton, California. AIDS–related illness. 31 yo.

Erik Brødreskift (aka Grim) (December 23, 1969 – October 4, 1999) was a Norwegian drummer, who played in several black metal bands during his career. Committed suicide by taking an overdose of drugs. 29 yo.

Eva Marie Cassidy (February 2, 1963 – November 2, 1996) was an American vocalist known for her interpretations of jazz, blues, folk, gospel, country and pop classics. Melanoma. 33 yo.

Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, singer–songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer, and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, electronic, orchestral, and musique concrète works. Prostate cancer. 52 yo.

Franklin Joseph "Frankie" Lymon (September 30, 1942 – February 27, 1968) was an American rock and roll/rhythm and blues singer and songwriter, best known as the boy soprano lead singer of a New York City–based early rock and roll group, The Teenagers. Heroin overdose. 25 yo.

Freddie King (September 3, 1934 – December 28, 1976), thought to have been born as Frederick Christian, was an influential African–American blues guitarist and singer. Sudden heart attack. 42 yo.

Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara; 5 September 1946 – 24 November 1991), was a British musician, best known as the lead vocalist and founding member of the rock band Queen. AIDS–related issues. 45 yo.

Gary C. "Gar" Samuelson (June 12, 1958 in Dunkirk, New York – July 22, 1999 in Orange City, Florida) was a drummer for thrash metal band Megadeth, working in it from 1984–1987. Liver failure, serious heroin consumption in 80's. 41 yo.

Glen Lamont Goins (January 2, 1954 – July 29, 1978) was a singer and guitarist for Parliament Funkadelic in the mid–1970s. Goins is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997. Hodgkin's lymphoma. 24 yo.

Glenn M. Hughes (July 18, 1950 – March 4, 2001) was the original "Biker" character in the disco group Village People from 1977 to 1996. Lung cancer. 50 yo.

Graeme "Shirley" Strachan (January 2, 1952 – August 29, 2001) was the lead singer of Australian 1970s rock group Skyhooks. Helicopter accident. 53 yo.

Guitar Slim (born Eddie Jones, December 10, 1926 – February 7, 1959) was a New Orleans blues guitarist, from the 1940s and 1950s until his death. Pneumonia due to excessive drinking. 32 yo.

Hank Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Williams, was an American singer–songwriter and musician regarded as one of the greatest country music stars of all time. Heart attack, most likely caused by injecting drugs. 29 yo.

Harry Forster Chapin (December 7, 1942 – July 16, 1981) was an American singer–songwriter best known in particular for his folk rock songs including "Taxi", "W*O*L*D", and the number–one hit "Cat's in the Cradle." Car accident. 38 yo.

Hideto Matsumoto (Matsumoto Hideto, December 13, 1964 – May 2, 1998), better known by his mononymous stage name hide (always written in lowercase letters), was a popular Japanese musician. Most likely suicide by hanging, might have been an accident too. 23 yo.

Hillel Slovak (April 13, 1962–June 25, 1988) was an Israeli–American musician best known as the original guitarist and founding member of the Los Angeles rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Heroin overdose. 26 yo.

Howard Duane Allman (November 20, 1946 – October 29, 1971) was an American lead guitarist, co–founder of the southern rock group The Allman Brothers Band, and respected session musician. Motorcycle accident. 24 yo.

Hugo Christer "Cisse" Häkkinen (January 30, 1951 Helsinki – December 26, 1990 Espoo) was a Finnish bass player and guitarist, best known for being a founding member and bass player for the entire career of rock 'n' roll band Hurriganes. Complications because of liver cirrhosis. 39 yo.

Ian Kevin Curtis (15 July 1956 – 18 May 1980) was the songwriter and lyricist of the band Joy Division, which he joined in 1976 after meeting with Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook at a Sex Pistols gig. Suicide by hanging. 23 yo.

Ingo Schwichtenberg (18 May 1965 – 8 March 1995) was one of the founding members of German power metal band Helloween and was famous for his high–energy drumming and ear–to–ear smile. Suicide by jumping on a subway train. 29 yo.

Irwin Goodman (real name Antti Yrjö Hammarberg, 14 September 1943, Hämeenlinna, Finland – 14 January 1991, Hamina, Finland) was a popular Finnish rock and folk singer. Heart attack. 47 yo.

James Charles Rodgers (September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933), known as Jimmie Rodgers, was an American country singer in the early 20th century. Lung hemorrhage due to long–time tuberculosis. 35 yo.

James Owen Sullivan (February 9, 1981 – December 28, 2009), or The Reverend Tholomew Plague, often shortened to The Rev, was an American musician, best known as the drummer for the American metal band Avenged Sevenfold. Overdose of alcohol and prescription drugs. 28 yo.

Jan–Göran "Janne" Ödner (December 11, 1948 – September 11, 1981 Helsinki, Finland) was a Finnish guitarist and a remarkable figure in the Finnish rock and roll scene in the 70's. Died in the emergency station of the Töölö hospital due to fatal injuries caused by a hit in the head. 32 yo.

Janos Valmunen (18 May 1970 Uusikaupunki, Finland – 15 August 1999 Vehmaa, Finland) was a Finnish pop musician, most notable of his so–called hit song "Bussipysäkillä." His material gained some kind of notability because majority of Finnish music reporters considered his material extremely poor. Despite that, some of his other material (other than the song Bussipysäkillä) has gained critical acclaim and somewhat cult status nowadays. He was found dead on his motorcycle in a small rural road in Vehmaa. 29 yo.

Jared W. Anderson (December 28, 1974 – October 14, 2006) was an American death metal musician best known as the bassist and co–vocalist of Morbid Angel in 2001–02 and Hate Eternal in 1998–03. Died in his sleep, previous drug addiction problems. 31 yo.

Jean "Django" Reinhardt (23 January, 1910 – 16 May, 1953) was a pioneering Belgian virtuoso jazz guitarist and composer. Brain hemorrhage. 43 yo.

Jeffrey Scott Buckley (November 17, 1966 – May 29, 1997), raised as Scotty Moorhead, was an American singer–songwriter and guitarist. Drowned. 31 yo.

Jeffrey Thomas "Jeff" Porcaro (April 1, 1954 – August 5, 1992) was an American session drummer and a founding member of the Grammy Award winning band Toto. Heart attack (previously undiagnosed heart condition) after having inhaled too much insecticide. 38 yo.

Jerome John "Jerry" Garcia (August 1, 1942 – August 9, 1995) was an American musician best known for his lead guitar work, singing and songwriting with the band the Grateful Dead. Heart attack, resulted from a long time drug addiction. 53 yo.

Jerry Nolan (May 7, 1946 – January 14, 1992) was an American rock drummer, best known for his work with The New York Dolls and Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers. Bacterial meningitis and bacterial pneumonia that resulted a stroke and comatose from which he never recovered. 45 yo.

Jesse Pintado (July 12, 1969 – August 27, 2006) was a lead guitar player born in Mexico but moved to U.S. Known of his work in Terrorizer and Napalm Death. Liver failure after a diabetes–induced coma, probably caused by excessive drinking. 37 yo.

Jiles Perry "J. P." Richardson, Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959) also commonly known as The Big Bopper, was an American disc jockey, singer, and songwriter whose big voice and exuberant personality made him an early rock and roll star. Plane crash. 28 yo.

Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. (May 1, 1980 – January 13, 2010), better known by the stage name Jay Reatard, was an American garage rock musician whi released recordings as a solo artist and as a member of The Reatards and Lost Sounds. Cocaine and alcohol overdose. 29 yo.

Joey Ramone (born Jeffry Ross Hyman) (May 19, 1951 – April 15, 2001) was a vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones. Cancer. 49 yo.

John Adam Belushi (January 24, 1949 – March 5, 1982) was an American comedian, actor, and musician notable for his work on Saturday Night Live, National Lampoon's Animal House, and The Blues Brothers. Drug overdose (speedball). 33 yo.

John William Coltrane (sometimes abbreviated "Trane"; September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz. Liver cancer. 40 yo.

John Denver (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr., was an American singer–songwriter, actor, activist, poet, photographer and avid pilot. Flight accident (he was flying by himself). 53 yo.

John Edwin "Eddy" Shaver (June 20, 1962 – December 31, 2000) was an American country–rock guitarist, arranger and songwriter. Heroin overdose. 38 yo.

John Francis Anthony Pastorius III (December 1, 1951 – September 21, 1987), better known as Jaco Pastorius, was an American jazz musician and composer widely acknowledged for his skills as an electric bass player. Fatal damage caused by a fight. 35 yo.

John Glascock (2 May 1951 – 17 November 1979) was the bass guitarist for the rock band Jethro Tull from December 1975 until August 1979. Heart valve defect, resulting from an abscessed tooth. 28 yo.

John Henry "Bonzo" Bonham (31 May 1948 – 25 September 1980) was an English drummer and songwriter, best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin. In autopsy it was found out that he had consumed forty shots of vodka which resulted in vomiting and subsequent aspiration (inhaling) of his vomit, causing asphyxiation. 32 yo.

John Joseph "Johnny" Burnette (March 25, 1934 – August 14, 1964) was an American rockabilly pioneer and was a founding member of The Rock and Roll Trio along with his brother Dorsey and a friend named Paul Burlison. Drowned when a cruiser boat crashed on his unlit boat. 29 yo.

John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery (March 6, 1923 – June 15, 1968) was an American jazz guitarist. He is widely considered one of the major jazz guitarists. Heart attack. 45 yo.

John Howard Rutsey (May 14, 1953 – May 11, 2008) from Ontario, Canada was a former drummer, most recognized for being a co-founding member of Rush along with Alex Lifeson and Jeff Jones. Died in his sleep of an apparent heart attack. 54 yo.

John Townes Van Zandt (March 7, 1944 – January 1, 1997), best–known as Townes Van Zandt, was an American country–folk music singer–songwriter, performer, and poet. Many of his songs are considered standards of their genre. Health problems stemming from years of serious substance abuse. 52 yo.

John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English rock musician, singer–songwriter, author, and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles. Shot by Mark Chapman on his front door. 40 yo.

Frederick Heath, known as Johnny Kidd (23 December 1935 – 7 October 1966) was an English singer and songwriter, the front man for the rock band, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. He was one of the few pre–Beatles British rock and rollers to achieve worldwide fame. Motor car accident. 30 yo.

Johnny Thunders, born John Anthony Genzale, Jr. (July 15, 1952 – April 23, 1991), was an Italian–American rock and roll/protopunk guitarist, singer and songwriter. Unclear, most likely a methadone overdose. 39 yo.

Jon Andreas Nödtveidt (28 June 1975 – 13 August 2006) was a lead guitarist and vocalist of the Swedish blackened death metal band Dissection, which he founded in 1989. Suicide by shooting himself with a shotgun. 31 yo.

Jouni Heikki Mömmö (sometimes referred as Joni Mömmö) (15. joulukuuta 1955 – 26. lokakuuta 1991 Joensuu) was a Finnish musician and best known as the lead figure (singer, guitarist and songwriter) of band Mana Mana. Intentional overdose of medicines. 35 yo.

Judee Sill (born Judith Lynn Sill, October 7, 1944 – November 23, 1979) was an American singer and songwriter. The first artist signed to David Geffen's Asylum label, she released two albums, then worked briefly as a cartoonist. Drug abuse, "acute cocaine and codeine intoxication". 35 yo.

Juha Harri "Junnu" Vainio, also known as Juha "Watt" Vainio (10 May 1938 in Kotka, Finland – 29 October 1990, Gryon, Switzerland) was a Finnish lyricist, singer, composer and teacher, known as one of Finland's most prolific and popular lyricists. Heart attack (following serious heart condition). 52 yo.

Juhani Juice Leskinen (former Pauli Matti Juhani "Juice" Leskinen, February 1950, Juankoski – 24 November, 2006, Tampere), was one of the most prominent Finnish singer–songwriters of the late 20th century. Renal insufficiency, cirrhosis and diabetes. 56 yo.

Karen Anne Carpenter (March 2, 1950 – February 4, 1983) was an American singer and drummer. She and her brother, Richard, formed the 1970s duo The Carpenters. She was a drummer of exceptional skill, but she is best remembered for her vocal performances. Complications of anorexia nervosa. 32 yo.

Keith John Moon (23 August 1946 – 7 September 1978) was an English drummer of the rock group The Who. Overdose of tranquillizers with brandy. 32 yo.

Keith Richard Godchaux (July 19, 1948 – July 23, 1980) was a musician best known for his tenure in the rock group the Grateful Dead. Traffic accident. 32 yo.

Kevin Matthew Gilbert (November 20, 1966 – May 17, 1996) was an American songwriter, musician, composer, producer and collaborator born in Sacramento, California, later living in San Mateo, California where he attended Junipero Serra High School. Apparent autoerotic asphyxiation. 29 yo.

Kevin Michael "GG" Allin (born Jesus Christ Allin; August 29, 1956 – June 28, 1993) was an American punk rock singer–songwriter who performed and recorded with many punk groups during his career. Heroin overdose. 36 yo.

Kikka (born Kirsi Hannele Sirén, afterwards Viilonen) (October 26, 1964, Tampere, Finland – December 3, 2005, Tampere, Finland) was a Finnish singer and famous of her nasty "schlanger"–style. Heart attack. 41 yo.

Kirill "Kirka" Babitzin (22 September, 1950 – 31 January, 2007) was a popular musician from Finland. Undisclosed acute illness. 56 yo.

Laura Nyro (October 18, 1947 – April 8, 1997) was an American composer, lyricist, singer, and pianist. Her style was a hybrid of Brill Building–style New York pop, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, show tunes and rock. Ovarian cancer. 49 yo.

Layne Thomas Staley (August 22, 1967 – c. April 5, 2002) was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co–lyricist of the rock group Alice in Chains. Injecting a mixture of heroin and cocaine, known as speedball. 34 yo.

Lee Brilleaux (born Lee Collinson, May 10, 1952, Durban, South Africa – April 7, 1994) was an English rhythm–and–blues singer and musician with the British band Dr Feelgood. Died of cancer. 41 yo.

Leon Russell Wilkeson (2 April 1952 - 27 July 2001) was the bassist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001. Chronic liver and lung disease. 49 yo.

Leslie (Les) Harvey (13 September 1944 – 3 May 1972) (brother of Alex Harvey) was a guitarist in several Scottish bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s, most notably Stone the Crows. In contrary to popular belief, Harvey wasn't 27 years old when he died. This was proved by an author, Erik Segalstad, who received a copy of his death certificate. 26 yo.

Lhasa de Sela (September 27, 1972 – January 1, 2010), also known by the mononym Lhasa, was an American–born singer–songwriter who was raised in Mexico and the United States and divided her adult life between Canada and France. Breast cancer. 37 yo.

Little Walter, born Marion Walter Jacobs (May 1, 1930 – February 15, 1968), was an American extremely influential blues harmonica player. Thrombosis, most like caused by several violent encounters he faced. 37 yo.

Lowell Thomas George (April 13, 1945 – June 29, 1979) was an American singer–songwriter, multi–instrumentalist, and producer, who was the main guitarist and songwriter for the rock band Little Feat. Accidental drug overdose. 34 yo.

Marc Bolan (born Mark Feld 30 September 1947 – 16 September 1977), was an English singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known for his work with T. Rex. Car accident. 29 yo.

Marcel Jacob (January 30, 1964 – July 21, 2009) was a Swedish musician, best known as the bassist in the hard rock bands Talisman and Last Autumn's Dream, having played also in Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force and Europe. His bandmate Jess Cott Sobo stated that Jacob "took his own life after many years of personal and health issues he was battling." 45 yo.

Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962), born Norma Jeane Mortenson, but baptized Norma Jeane Baker, was an American actress, singer and model. Substance overdose, also murder has been suspected. 36 yo.

Mark Sandman (September 24, 1952 – July 3, 1999) was an American singer, songwriter, musical instrument inventor and multi–instrumentalist. Heart attack. 46 yo.

Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984), better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer–songwriter and musician with a four–octave vocal range. Murdered by his father. 45 yo.

Matti Kalevi Inkinen (June 1, 1958 Masku – April 29, 2009) was a Finnish musician and best known as the leader of SIG. He went lost on 29th of April 2009 and was found death on 25th of May same year, having committed suicide. 51 yo.

Matti Sakari Kurkinen (1951 – 1975) was a Finnish guitarist of Kalevala's fame. Was run over by a truck. 23 or 24 yo.

Michael Alden Hedges (December 31, 1953 – December 2, 1997) was an American composer, acoustic guitarist and singer–songwriter. Car accident. 43 yo.

Michael Bernard "Mike" Bloomfield (July 28, 1943 – February 15, 1981) was an American musician, guitarist, and composer, born in Chicago, Illinois, who became one of the first popular music superstars of the 1960s to earn his reputation entirely on his instrumental prowess. Found dead of a drug overdose in his car. 37 yo.

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, and philanthropist. Referred to as the King of Pop, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. Still unsure, probably prescription drug overdose. 50 yo.

Michael Kelland John Hutchence (22 January 1960 – 22 November 1997) was an Australian musician and actor, he was the founding lead singer–songwriter of rock band INXS. Suicide while depressed and under the influence of drugs and alcohol (this is sometimes criticised). 37 yo.

Mieszko Talarczyk (December 23, 1974 in Poland – December 26, 2004 in Thailand) was the lead singer/guitarist of the Swedish grindcore band Nasum, Genocide Superstars and Krigshot. Drowned in Tsunami disaster. 30 yo.

Miika Tenkula (6 March 1974 – 19 February 2009) was a Finnish metal musician who is most known as the lead guitarist of Finnish metal band Sentenced. Heart attack (genetic heart condition). 34 yo.

Michael "Mike" Alexander (22 June 1977 – 5 October 2009) was the bassist of English thrash metal group Evile. Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot on the lungs. 32 yo.

Mike Baker (September 2, 1963 – October 29, 2008) was the lead vocalist for the American progressive metal band Shadow Gallery. Sied after suffering a heart attack. 45 yo.

Milton Brown (September 8, 1903 – April 18, 1936) was an American band leader and vocalist who was one of the founders of Western swing. Pneumonia after a serious car accident. 32 yo.

Minnie Julia Riperton (November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979) was an American singer–songwriter best known for her vocal range of five–and–a–half octaves and her 1975 single "Lovin' You". Breast cancer. 31 yo.

Nicholas Dingley, alias Razzle (2 December 1960 – 8 December 1984), was the drummer of Hanoi Rocks from 1982 until his death. Car accident, Mötley Crue's Vince Neil was drunk driving. 24 yo.

Nicholas Rodney Drake (19 June 1948 – 25 November 1974), going by name Nick Drake, was an English singer–songwriter and musician. Best known for the sombre pieces composed on his primary instrument, the guitar, Drake was also proficient at piano, clarinet and saxophone. Overdose of amitriptyline, a type of antidepressant. 26 yo.

Nicholas Christian "Nicky" Hopkins (24 February 1944 – 6 September 1994) was an English pianist and organist. Intestinal surgery, presumably related to Hopkins' Crohn's Disease. 50 yo.

Ole Beich (1955 – October 16, 1991) was a Danish musician best known as the bassist for the original lineups of L.A. Guns and Guns N' Roses. Drowned in Skt. Jørgens Lake in the center of Copenhagen. 35 or 36 yo, depends of birthday that remains unknown to me.

Otis Ray Redding, Jr. (September 9, 1941 – December 10, 1967) was an American soul singer. Often called the "King of Soul", he is renowned for an ability to convey strong emotion through his voice. Flight accident. 26 yo.

Patsy Cline (September 8, 1932 – March 5, 1963), born Virginia Patterson Hensley, was an American country music singer who enjoyed pop music crossover success during the era of the Nashville sound in the early 1960s. Plane accident. 30 yo.

Paul Baloff (April 25, 1960 – February 2, 2002) was an American singer, most notable for his time in thrash metal band Exodus. A stroke. 41 yo.

Paul Butterfield (December 17, 1942 – May 4, 1987) was an American blues vocalist and harmonica player, who founded the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the early 1960s and performed at the original Woodstock Festival. Drug–related heart failure. 44 yo.

Paul Charles Caravello (July 12, 1950 – November 24, 1991), better known by his stage name Eric Carr, was an American musician, best known as drummer for the rock band Kiss. Heart cancer. 41 yo.

Paul Dedrick Gray (April 8, 1972 – May 24, 2010) was an American musician, best known as the bassist, songwriter and one of the founding members of the Grammy Award–winning heavy metal band Slipknot. Accidental drug overdose. 38 yo.

Paul Francis Kossoff (14 September, 1950 – 19 March, 1976) was an English rock guitarist best known as a member of the band Free. Drug related heart problems. 25 yo.

Paul Laurence Dunbar Chambers, Jr. (April 22, 1935 – January 4, 1969) was a jazz bassist. Tuberculosis after abuse of heroin and alcohol. 33 yo.

Pekka "Albert" Johannes Järvinen (October 25, 1950 in Lahti, Finland – March 24, 1991 in London, England) was a Finnish guitarist. He is most well known as a fast–fingered and skilled guitar player of Finnish rock band Hurriganes. Myocardial infarction, heart attack. 40 yo.

Pekka Juhani Pöyry (10. joulukuuta 1939 Pori – 4. elokuuta 1980) was a Finnish saxophonist and flutist. He's most known of his work with influential bands Tasavallan Presidentti and Islanders. Suicide by hanging. 40 yo.

Pekka Valter Mattias Streng (April 26, 1948 Sysmä – April 11, 1975 Helsinki) was a Finnish singer and songwriter who was aware of his illness throughout his relatively short career – undoubtedly reflecting to his material. Cancer. 26 yo.

Per Yngve Ohlin (January 26, 1969 – April 8, 1991), better known by his stage name Dead, was a Swedish black metal vocalist best known for his work with Norwegian black metal band Mayhem. Shot himself with a shotgun after slicing his both wrists. 22 yo.

Peter T. Ratajczyk (January 4, 1962 – April 14, 2010), better known by his stage name Peter Steele, was the lead singer, bassist, and composer for the gothic metal band Type O Negative. Heart attack (previous alchol problems). 48 yo.

Peter Tosh, born Winston Hubert McIntosh (19 October, 1944 – 11 September, 1987), was a Jamaican reggae musician who was a major member of the musical band The Wailers (1963–1974), and who afterward had a successful solo career as well as being a promoter of Rastafari. Shot to death in his apartment by burglars. 42 yo.

Petri Ilari Walli (February 25, 1969 – June 28, 1995) was the founder, vocalist, guitar–player, songwriter and producer of the Finnish psychedelic rock–band Kingston Wall. Suicide by jumping off a church's roof. 26 yo.

Pekka "Petteri" Salminen (April 28, 1955, Ruovesi, Finland – June 14, 1985) was a Finnish musician, best known as the guitarist of bands Juice Leskisen "Juice" (1975–1977) and "Juice Leskinen Slam" (1977–1979). Lung cancer. 30 yo.

Philip Parris "Phil" Lynott (20 August 1949 – 4 January 1986) was an Irish singer, bassist, musician, and songwriter, who first came to prominence as the frontman of Thin Lizzy. Died of heart failure and pneumonia after serious drug and alcohol problems for years. 36 yo.

Rami Sarmasto (born Raimo Virtanen, August 24, 1938, Sauvo, Finland – February 13, 1965, Forssa, Finland) was a Finnish actor and musician who was sometimes referred as "the James Dean of Finland." Traffic accident. 26 yo.

Ramon "Tiki" Fulwood (born May 23, 1944 in – October 29, 1979) was a drummer for the funk bands Parliament and Funkadelic. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament–Funkadelic. Stomach cancer. 35 yo.

Randall William "Randy" Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982) was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. Flight accident. 25 yo.

Randolpho Francisco Castillo (December 18, 1950 – March 26, 2002) was best known as Ozzy Osbourne's drummer during the mid 1980s to the early 1990s. Cancer. 51 yo.

Randy California (born Randy Craig Wolfe, February 20, 1951 – January 2, 1997) was a guitarist, singer and songwriter and one of the original members of the rock group Spirit, formed in 1967. Drowned in the ocean while rescuing his son. 45 yo.

Rauli "Badding" Somerjoki (born as Rauli Aarre Tapani Somerjoki) (30 August 1947, Somero – 14 January 1987, Helsinki) was a famous Finnish rock singer. Alcohol poisoning, cardiac arrest and bronchitis. 39 yo.

Richard Clare "Rick" Danko (December 29, 1943 – December 10, 1999) was a Canadian musician and singer, best known as a member of The Band. Heart failure, resulted from drug abuse. 55 yo.

Richard George Manuel (April 3, 1943, Stratford, Ontario – March 4, 1986, Winter Park, Florida, United States) was a Canadian composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his contributions to and membership in The Band. Suicide by hanging. 42 yo.

Roy Buchanan (September 23, 1939 – August 14, 1988) was an American guitarist and blues musician. A sideman and solo artist, with two gold albums early in his career, and two later solo albums charting on the Billboard chart. Hanged from his own shirt in a jail cell. 48 yo.

Raymond A. 'Ray' Gillen (May 12, 1959 – December 1, 1993) was an American rock singer, best known for his work with Badlands, in addition to his stint with Black Sabbath in the mid–1980's. AIDS–related issues. 34 yo.

Raymond Berry Oakley III (April 4, 1948 – November 11, 1972), was an American bassist and one of the founding members of The Allman Brothers Band. Motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia, just three blocks from where Duane Allman had his fatal motorcycle accident the year before. 24 yo.

Richard Shannon Hoon (September 26, 1967 – October 21, 1995) was an American singer–songwriter and musician. He was the frontman and lead singer of the band Blind Melon. Drug overdose. 28 yo.

Richie Powell (September 5, 1931 – June 26, 1956) was an American bebop jazz pianist. Car accident. 24 yo.

Ritchie Valens (born Ricardo Esteban Valenzuela Reyes, May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959) was a Mexican–American singer, songwriter and guitarist. Flight accident. 17 yo.

River Jude Phoenix (August 23, 1970 – October 31, 1993) was an American film actor and musician. Drug overdose. 23 yo.

Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981) was a Jamaican singer–songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands The Wailers (1964–1974) and Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974–1981). Acral lentiginous melanoma, a form of malignant melanoma. 36 yo.

Roger Patterson (N/A, 1968 – February 12, 1991) was an American bass player, well known for his work in the Florida death metal band Atheist. Car accident. 32 or 33 yo, depends of his birth date.

Roger Troutman (November 29, 1951 – April 25, 1999) was the lead singer of the band Zapp. Suspected that he was shot to death by his brother, Larry. 47 yo.

Ronald "Ronnie" Österberg (January 15, 1948 Turku – December, 1980 Espoo) was a Finnish rock and roll drummer of Blues Section's and Wigwam's fame. Suicide due to diabetes and depression. 32 yo.

Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott (9 July, 1946 – 19 February, 1980) was a Scottish–born Australian rock musician, best known for being the lead singer and lyricist of Australian hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980. The official cause was listed as "acute alcohol poisoning" and "death by misadventure." 33 yo.

Ronald Wayne "Ronnie" Van Zant (January 15, 1948 – October 20, 1977) was the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and a founding member of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Plane crash. 29 yo.

Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988) was an American singer–songwriter and musician, well known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Heart attack. 52 yo.

Saara Tuulikki Suvanto (born Saara Tuulikki Heikkilä, May 29, 1959 Kiikka, Finland – December 30, 1999, Helsinki, Finland) was a Finnish blind singer and songwriter. Cancer. 40 yo.

Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), known professionally as Sam Cooke, was an African–American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Murdered after he had supposedly attacked a woman who shot him. 33 yo.

Sandy Denny (January 6, 1947 – April 21, 1978), born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny, was an English singer and songwriter who has been described pre–eminent British folk rock singer. Traumatic mid–brain haemorrhage due to two accidental falls. 31 yo.

Sauli "Karkkunen" Lehtisaari (born ?), was known as the vocalist of Finnish death metal band Twilight Ophera. Died of cancer on February the 12th 2004. Age N/A.

Sauli Tapani Lehtonen (April 10, 1975 Jyväskylä, Finland – September 9, 1995 Sipoo, Finland) was a Finnish singer who was selected as the tenth tango king in an annual event called Seinäjoen tangomarkkinat. Car accident. 20 yo.

Sean Costello (April 16, 1979 – April 15, 2008) was an American blues musician, renowned for his fiery guitar playing and soulful singing. Drug overdose. 28 yo.

Shawn Lane (March 21, 1963 – September 26, 2003) was an American musician. Although piano was his first instrument, he quickly became a noted player in underground guitar circles and joined Black Oak Arkansas when he was just fourteen years old. Suffered from psoriasis his whole life and also suffered from psoriatic arthritis, ending up to a health failure. 40 yo.

Sid Vicious (born Simon John Ritchie, 10 May 1957 – 2 February 1979) was an English musician best known as the bassist of the influential punk rock group Sex Pistols. Heroin overdose. 21 yo.

Slim Harpo (born James Moore, January 11, 1924 – January 31, 1970) was an American blues musician. He was known as a master of the blues harmonica and the name "Slim Harpo" was derived from "harp," the popular nickname for the harmonica in blues circles. Heart attack. 46 yo.

Sonny Boy Williamson I (John Lee Curtis Williamson, March 30, 1914 — June 1, 1948) was an American blues harmonica player. Murdered. 34 yo.

Stan Szelest (February 11, 1943 – January 20, 1991) was an American musician, best known for his work as a pianist with The Band. Heart attack. 47 yo.

Stephen Maynard Clark (April 23, 1960 – January 8, 1991) was one of the co–lead guitarists for British hard rock band Def Leppard up until his death in 1991. Accidental drug overdose (Valium, morphine and a blood alcohol level of .30, that's by the way three times the British legal driving limit). 30 yo.

Steven Earl Gaines (September 14, 1949 – October 20, 1977) was an American musician. He is most well–known as a guitarist and songwriter for southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, and is the younger brother of Cassie Gaines, who was also a member of the band. Plane crahs. 28 yo.

Stevie Ray Vaughan (born Stephen Ray Vaughan; October 3, 1954 – August 27, 1990) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Helicopter accident. 35 yo.

Stuart Adamson (11 April 1958 – circa 16 December 2001), born William Stuart Adamson, was an English–born Scottish guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, who founded the Scottish art–punk band The Skids and later the more mainstream rock group Big Country, as well as the 1990s alternative country rock act, The Raphaels. Suicide by hanging. 43 yo.

Sylvester James (September 6, 1947 – December 16, 1988), better known as Sylvester, was an American disco and soul singer, and a gay drag performer. AIDS–related complications. 41 yo.

Tapani Arvo "Arwo" Mikkonen (May 12, 1954 Tampere – February 24, 1986 Tampere) was the original guitarist of Popeda. Acute heart attack. 31 yo.

Teemu "Somnium" Raimoranta (May 19, 1977 Helsinki – March 16, 2003 Helsinki) was a Finnish metal musician who played in Finntroll – that he formed with Jan Jämsen – Barathrum, Thy Serpent and Impaled Nazarene. Fell off a bridge while being drunk. 25 yo.

Terje "Valfar" Bakken (born September 3, 1978, died approximately January 15, 2004 at Reppastølen, Sogndal valley, Norway) was the lead singer and founder of the Norwegian black/folk metal band Windir. Hypothermia, was trapped in a snowstorm. 25 yo.

Terry Alan Kath (January 31, 1946 – January 23, 1978), born in Chicago, Illinois, was the original guitarist and founding member of the rock band Chicago. Unintentional self–inflicted gunshot wound. 31 yo.

Thomas Richard "Tommy" Bolin (August 1, 1951, Sioux City, Iowa – December 4, 1976) was an American–born guitarist who played with Zephyr (from 1969 to 1971), The James Gang (from 1973 through 1974), Deep Purple (from 1975 to 1976), and his solo work. Drug overdose. 25 yo.

Theodore "Fats" Navarro (September 24, 1923 – July 7, 1950) was an American jazz trumpet player. He was a pioneer of the bebop style of jazz improvisation in the 1940s. Health failure following heroin addiction. 26 yo.

Timothy Charles Buckley III (February 14, 1947 – June 29, 1975), better known as simply Tim Buckley, was an American vocalist, and musician. His style was mostly folk oriented, but over time his music incorporated jazz, psychedelia, funk, soul, avant–garde and an evolving "voice as instrument," sound. Drug and alcohol overdose. 28 yo.

Tomas Forsberg, better known as "Quorthon" (February 17, 1966, Hägersten, Stockholm – June 3, 2004, Hässelby, Stockholm), was the founder and song writer of the pioneering Swedish black metal band Bathory. Died apparently from heart failure. 38 yo.

Tuomas Lintulaakso (born?) was guitarist of De Lirium's Order. He was stabbed to death in Helsinki on April 15th, 2005. Age N/A.

Tupac Amaru Shakur (claimed to have been born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), known by his stage names 2Pac (or simply Pac) and Makaveli, was an American rapper. Shot and died six days later. 24 yo.

Unto Uuno (originally Uuno) Mononen (October 23, 1930 Muolaa, Finland – June 28, 1968 Somero, Finland) was a famous Finnish composer, lyricist and musician whose large production includes numerous evergreen hits. Died of a gunshot, unclear whether it was an accident or a suicide. 37 yo.

Wardell Gray (February 13, 1921 – May 25, 1955) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist who straddled the swing and bebop periods. he was found on a stretch of desert on the outskirts of Las Vegas dead with a broken neck, most likely murdered. 34 yo.

West Arkeen (born Aaron West Arkeen, June 18, 1960 – May 30, 1997) was an American musician best–known for co–writing several Guns N' Roses songs. Drug overdose. 36 yo.

Vincent Eugene Craddock (February 11, 1935 – October 12, 1971), better known as Gene Vincent, was an American musician who pioneered the styles of rock and roll and rockabilly. Died of ruptured stomach ulcer. 36 yo.

Ztephan Dark (N/A – April 19, 2006) was the leader and founder of the Swedish black metal act Satanic Slaughter. Serious heart condition. Age N/A.

Øystein Aarseth (March 22, 1968 – August 10, 1993), who went by the pseudonym Euronymous, was a guitarist and co–founder of the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem. Murdered by fellow musician Varg Vikernes. 25 yo.

Postlude

I've thus added several persons and still wondering how many talented musicians have died by taking a drug overdose. I'm almost convinced that these things are somehow related to each other, talking about the addiction to illegal or prescription drugs and artistic capabilities.

Edit June the 5th, 2011: crap. Someone has made this list several years ago. I'm not sure if it's updated lately and I'm gonna take a deep look at it.

Annos turhautumista - musiikki ja ego

Jos musiikkiyhtyeessä on yhdellä jäsenellä ylisuuri ego, ei mukaan meinaa mahtua enää muita soittajia etenkään sanan varsinaisessa merkityksessä. Miltä kuulostaa soittaa kliseitä, joiden päälle suolletaan sellaista lyriikkaa, että se menisi koska tahansa parodiana? Lisäksi tämä hevisatiiri sisältää huomattavan määrän kielioppivirheitä johtaen lauseisiin, jotka eivät tarkoita mitään. Tätä yhtyeessäsi... Tai oikeastaan yhtyeessä, jossa olet työntekijänä, tuotetaan täysin vakavasti, mutta joka kerta kun joku erehtyy huomauttamaan virheistä hyvällä hengellä ja rakentavasti, saa niskaansa kylmää vettä ja jonkunasteisen konfliktin aikaiseksi.

Ego ei anna myöten korjata näitä virheitä julkisuuteen, jonne niitä on omia aikojaan kovalla tohinalla tunkenut. Avustavan käden ojennus on kerta toisensa jälkeen yhtä tyhjän kanssa, koska mitään ei tapahdu. "Minä kun olen nämä teosta luodessani näin kirjoittanut, niin kukaanhan ei niitä tule sorkkimaan!" Tämän johdosta: the sky are blue, silent and eternal, angle-choir in heaven, sing our eternal melodyes."

Mietinkin tässä sitä, että olisi lysti laatia hevilyriikkakäyttöön puppulausegeneraattori. Sopivaa sanastoa, erityisesti substantiiveja/subjekteja, olisivat ilman muuta beauty, eternity, heart, tear, dream, destiny, reality ja light. Adjektiiveja... Hmm: golden, blue, silent, high, painful, glorious, proud ja eternal. Verbejä: reach, spread, love, fly, cry, weep, believe, trust ja feel. Valitsepa mikä tahansa sanapari, laita väliin tarvittaessa oikea prepositio ja voilá - täydestä menee. Vai meneekö?

Itsekritiikkiä uupuu tässä maailmassa itse kultakin ja niin ikään oli yhdessä vaiheessa harmillista huomata, ettei orkesterissa ole täysivaltaisena jäsenenä vaan työntekijänä toteuttamassa toisen suuria visioita, joista mihinkään sinulla ei ole sananvaltaa. Rennosta, demokraattisesta ja kaikkien intoa ruokkivasta harrastustoiminnasta ei siis ole puhettakaan. Eetteriin täytyy saada uusia luomuksia, eikä ole väliä, soittaako kitaraa naapurin Heikki vai juuri se ihminen, jonka mainitaan internetsivuilla soittavan kyseistä soitinta.

Tällaistakin siis on tapahtunut - niin uskomattomalta kuin se kuulostaakin - ja tällöin olen uskaltautunut ärähtämään. Olen liiankin kova nielemään epäoikeudenmukaista kohtelua ja ajoittain jopa suoranaista paskaa, mutta jossain menee minunkin ylpeydessä raja. Ei minulle periaatteessa muodostaisi ongelmaa, että kaikkiin asiayhteyksiin laitettaisiin "Janne Muhonen - session, additional and live guitars." Tällöin ainakin pysyteltäisiin totuudessa, eikä kukaan automaattisesti olettaisi minun soittaneen kaikkea, mitä on mahdollista saada kuuleviin korviinsa.

Eetterin päätyi toden totta vähemmän taidokkaasti toteutettua kitarointia - vieläpä melko julkiseen jakeluun. Vähemmän mukavaa on myös se, että asiasta vain alkeet osaava henkilö näyttää, että kuinka sinun tulee soittaa soitintasi, jota olet itse harjoitellut sitkeästi ja kärsivällisesti toista kymmentä vuotta. Lukenut määrättömän määrän tietoutta, plärännyt sointutaulukoita, opetellut teoriaa ja ennen kaikkea treenannut itse soittamista kaiken aikaa. Nöyryydestä tai toisen vaivalla hankitun osaamisen kunnioituksesta ei ole tietoakaan.

Entä arvatkaapa, kuinka yhtyeemme sai nimensä? No, en ole aivan varma, koska tähän prosessiin en päässyt ottamaan millään tavalla osaa. Eräänä kauniina päivänä kuitenkin havaitsin, että sellainen on keksitty korkeammalla taholla, logo on valmis ja jopa t-paitojakin oli tilattu vino pino. Hieman ikävää on sekin, että samannimisiä yhtyeitä on useita ympäri maailmaa. Tämänkin asian olisi toki voinut selvittää mahdollisten sekaannusten välttämiseksi. Pahimmassa tapauksissa tällaisista asioista on tullut oikeusjuttuja.

Sen ajan, mitä monet aloittelevat muusikot käyttävät taivaanrannanmaalaamiseen ja mahtipontisiin visioihin, pysyttelen minä jalat tiukasti maassa ja jatkan sitkeää soiton harjoittelua. En ole jonkun verran yli kymmenen keikan ansiosta niin kokenut, että olisin oikeutettu mihinkään ihme haihatteluun. Jos luvun perään laitetaan nolla, voidaan puhua sellaisesta rutiinista, että on oikeutettu hieman kunnianhimoisempiin haaveisiin, jotka on perusteltavissa vaivalla saavutetulla kokemuksella. Minulle tämä kaikki edustaa sitä oikeaa tapaa harrastaa. Nöyryyttä, kokemusta, monipuolista perehtymistä, teoriaan tutustumista ja kärsivällistä yrittämistä.

Nöyryyttä ja kärsivällisyyttä ennen kaikkea. Mahdollinen menestys tulee jos on tullakseen, sikäli kun se nyt edes on itsetarkoitus. Musiikin harrastuksen pitäisi olla nuorille ihmisille se ensisijainen prioriteetti. Todellisuudentajun menetys on poikkeuksetta epäedullista paitsi koko yhtyeelle, myös itse neron omalle musiikilliselle kehitykselle. Huom: aina voi kehittyä, vaikka omasta visiostaan olisi kuinka varma. Näkemyksiä voi aina monipuolistaa. Uusia vaikutteita, lisää mielenkiintoisia nyansseja ja varsin mainiosti niitä saa kuuntelemalla välillä muita.

Minua turhauttaakin suunnattomasti se, että tunnun olevan niitä harvoja kärsivällisiä ihmisiä, jotka ymmärtävät oman sekä yhtyeensä tason ja harrastaa musiikkia nimenomaan siksi, että se on minulle tärkeää harrastuksena. Näin ollen en a) odota harvoille keikoille yleisöryntäystä b) suunnittele musiikkivideoa tai c) kaavaile massiivisia laitehankintoja, koska nykyäänkin saa ääntä pihalle joten kuten. Moni syyttäisikin minua "terveen kunnianhimon" puutteesta ja/tai huonosta itsetunnosta, mutta minä näen maltin ja kärsivällisyyden etuna. Tällainenkin aiemmin mainittu asia kuin valitun kielen oikeaoppisen kieliasun hiominen, mielikuvituksen käyttö ulosannissa ja yhteistyö jäsenten kesken toimisivat kunnolla hoidettuina loistavana ja lähes ilmaisena promootiona!

Sen sijaan, että kaikki narut haluaa pitää omissa käsissään ja ummistaa korvansa todistetusti itseään viisaampien avunannoilta, olisi harjaantumisen kannalta järkevintä juuri kuunnella muita ja pistää korvansa taakse kullanarvoisia neuvoja. Kuten aiemmassa tekstissäni kirjoitin, ei rahalla voi ostaa lahjakkuutta, joten kenestä tahansa ei tule laitehankintojen turvin piinkovaa ja lyömätöntä biisinikkaria. Tätä kaikkea opitaan nöyryydellä, monipuolisen musiikin kuuntelulla, toisten mielipiteiden huomioonottamisella ja osittain myös luoduilla kontakteilla. Yksi mielenkiintoinen aspekti onkin viimeksi mainittu, mutta se vaatiikin jo rutkasti enemmän aikaa, kokemusta ja ponnisteluja.

Tässä kohden vastaan tuleekin taas ego, koska harva suurenpuoleisen sellaisen omistava sallii muiden antaa ottaa osaa luomiseen. Taiteissa ilmiöön kuuluu valitettavan usein taipumus syvään kateellisuuteen, eikä toisten salli antaa ottaa osaa tuottamiseen, koska pelkää jäävänsä itse kakkoseksi muiden silmissä. Sanotaan - tai ainakin kuvitellaan - että jyrkät mielipiteet, itsepäisyys ja rautainen ego ovat hyvän itsetunnon merkkejä sekä sitä tervettä ja ensiarvoisen tärkeää kunnianhimoa, mutta ennemmin olisin eri mieltä. Etenkin siinä vaiheessa, kun harrastajat ovat nuoria ja moneen kertaan mainitsemani kehittymisprosessi on vielä alkuvaiheessaan.

Hyvä itsetunto antaa myöten kunnioittaa muiden mielipiteitä, eikä olla vain kunnioittavinaan. Hyvä itsetunto antaa myöten myöntää olevansa joskus väärässä varsinkin silloin, jos asia väännetään rautalangasta. Katteettomat lupakset ja epärehellisyys jos jotkut ovat omiaan osoittamaan itsetunto-ongelmia. Hyvä itsetunto mahdollistaa myöntää omat heikkoutensa, kysyä tarvittaessa neuvoa ja myös ottaa niistä opikseen. Kaikkia neuvoja sekä joka asiaan puuttumista ei tietenkään pidä purematta niellä, mutta enemmänkin puhun tässä siitä täysin toisesta ääripäästä.

Erikoinen monarkian johdannainen on täysin väärä tapa toimia harrastusporukassa. Nuorten ihmisten harrastusyhteisöissä sellainen ei ole tähänkään päivään asti toiminut, eikä se tule toimimaan jatkossakaan. Yhteisöistä on usein löydettävissä myös muita hovista tuttuja rooleja, kuten lakeija, jonka tehtävänä on olla monarkin kanssa samaa mieltä. Ajattelija kyseenalaistaa toimintatapoja, lakeija on samaa mieltä monarkin kanssa ja tämän jälkeen asiasta ei hyvässä lykyssä puhuta. Tällainen johtaminen ja toisten systemaattinen huomion ulkopuolelle jättäminen ovat oivallisia tapoja latistaa muiden innostusta yhteistä harrastusta kohtaan ja loukata heidän tunteitaan. Niin ikään kyseessä on mitä mainioin tapa karkoittaa jäseniä ja ystäviä ympäriltään.

Meitä on moneen junaan ja monet jäävät asemalle, mutta vaikka visio olisi kuinka omaperäinen ja nerokas (etenkin omassa päässä), tulisi jokaisen suuren taiteilijan laittaa jossain vaiheessa jäitä hattuun. Hänen tulisi muistaa omasta ylivertaisuudestaan huolimatta myös muiden olevan rakkaan harrastuksen parissa. Muutkin haluavat tulla kuulluiksi, paitsi päätöksenteossa, myös soittimensa kautta. Tietenkin on eri asia, mikäli yhtye on selvä yhden ihmisen projekti (Ayreon, Avantasia, London After Midnight tai Satanic Warmaster), johon muut tulevat tietoisesti tekemään vain mitä käsketään. Monijäsenisenä orkesterina - tuttavallisemmin bändinä - mainostetussa kokoonpanossa on ikävä havaita vinguttavansa vain sitä toista viulua, vaikka muuta annetaan julkisesti ymmärtää.

Joku kaivannee vanhaa kunnon rautalangasta väännettyä esimerkkiä, joten täältä tulee.

Kenen luulette soittaneen The Agentsin levylle rumpuja 1990-luvun alkupuolelta alkaen? Eiköhän jokaisen veikkaus kohdistu Sandrenin Heikkiin ja onhan se myös oikea vastauskin. Otetaan tässä paikkansapitämätön ja hypoteettinen tilanne, jossa olisi vallan erikoista saada tietää, jos Heikki ei olisi ehtinyt eräänä päivänä nauhoituksiin ja minnekään sen kummempia mainitsematta musiikillinen johtaja Esa olisi heittänyt velipoika Kai Pulliaisen paukuttelemaan rumpuja siten kuin nyt sattuu osaamaan. Materiaalia olisi ollut kumma tarve saada kuultavaksi vaikka väkisin.

Heikkiähän tämä tietenkin ottaa päähän, koska hänen ammattitaitoaan on loukattu ja hänen varpailleen on astuttu. Lisäksi kukaan kohdeyleisöstä ei tiedä, että Kaitsu soitti rumpuja ja hänen toistaitoisuudestaan johtuen jokainen kuulija luulee Heikin olevan huono. Hänen vuosia ja taas vuosia kestänyt kärsivällinen perehtymisensä rumpujen saloihin meni siis hukkaan jonkun keisarin touhottamisen vuoksi.

Jos olisin Finntrollin Mikael Karlbomin tai Samuli Ponsimaan asemassa, ei hommassa olisi mitään erikoista, koska molempien nimet lukee levyjen kansissa ja lisäksi kollega siinä vieressä on kaiketi aika pitkälti samaa taitotasoa. The Agentsin valitsin esimerkiksi aivan sattumanvaraisesti, mutta monien lukemieni juttujen perusteella E. Pulliainen on se, joka sanoo, kuinka asiat hoidetaan - ei muut. Yhtyeestä itsestään pidän joka tapauksessa kuin hullu puurosta.

Edit 29.3.2010: Tässä yllä toimintatavoiltaan esitelty yhtye (ei siis The Agents) laitettiin The Johtohahmon toimesta tykkänään jäihin lähes välittömästi sen jälkeen, kun menin ja avasin suuni näistä epäkohdista, mieltäni painaneista asioista ja vääristä lähtökohdista, joita niin ikään yllä listasin. Sinänsä ikävä juttu, mutta väistämätön etenkin oman musiikillisen ylpeyteni ja omanarvontuntoni säilyttämiseksi. Rajansa se on nöyristelyllä ja ajatuksiensa nieleskelylläkin, vaikka yhtye olisi kuinka yhden ihmisen johtama (joka osa-alueella).