Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio, the "God of Metal," died May 16, 2010 after a lengthy battle with stomach cancer. His stage presence betrayed his small stature, and his voice was one of the most recognizable in metal. He's also credited as the originator of the "rock and roll" hand sign.
Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones died under mysterious circumstances on the night of July 2, 1969, having drowned in his swimming pool. The coroner's verdict: 'Death by Misadventure'
Keyboardist Ian Stewart, who helped found the group, died December 12, 1985 of a heart attack. When the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they asked that Stewart's name be included.
Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist Randy Rhoads and two members of Ozzy's crew were killed March 19, 1982 when the small plane in which they were joyriding crashed after clipping a wing while trying to buzz Ozzy's tour bus.
Queen front man Freddy Mercury died November 24, 1991 from AIDS. The death of Freddie Mercury came at a time when AIDS was still somewhat new, and shocking. A new movie will document Freddie Mercury's life, with Sacha Baron Cohen in the title role.
Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett died July 7, 2006 from pancreatic cancer. Barrett had left the band early on but continued to be closely identified with Pink Floyd. The 1975 song "Shine On, You Crazy Diamond" was written in honor of him. At the time Pink Floyd recorded it, Barrett had withdrawn from music, changed his name, and shaved his head and eyebrows, changing his appearance to the point that when he stopped by the studio during the sessions, his bandmates at first did not recognize him.
Keyboardist Richard Wright, a founding member of the Floyd, died September 15, 2008 of cancer.
Led Zeppelin's John Bonham died September 25, 1980, when his lungs became waterlogged after a night of heavy drinking.the band oficilaly broke up about a month later.
JIMI HENDRIX
Jimi Hendrix died September 18, 1970 at his girlfriend's London apartment, when his lungs filled with fluid, resulting in drowing. Physicians noted an abundance of red wine in his system.
Road trip photo: This is Jimi Hendrix' shirt which is on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thank to WABX listener Cathy for the picture.
