Category: Notable Obituaries

ELP Christmas tribute

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With the passing of Keith Emerson (71)  last March and Greg Lake (69) last week, it punctuates the end of legendary prog band Emerson Lake and Palmer. Emerson was one of the greatest keyboardists of his generation, and Carl Palmer wrote in a recent statement; “Greg’s soaring voice and skill as a musician will be remembered by all who knew his music and recordings he made with ELP and King Crimson. I have fond memories of those great years we had in the 1970s and many memorable shows we performed together. Having lost Keith this year as well has made this particularly hard for all of us. As Greg sang at the end of Pictures at an Exhibition, ‘death is life.’ His music can now live forever in the hearts of all who loved him.”

Below is the timeless holiday song “I Believe in Father Christmas” by Greg Lake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqwqknq7nuI

Don Ciccone passes away

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Don Ciccone, a singer-songwriter who was a member of the Four Seasons, the Shondells, and the Critters, died Saturday at 70 years old. Born in New Jersey, Ciccone was a founding member of the Critters, who had minor hits in the 1960s and helped the American front hold its own during the British Invasion years. Their “Mr. Dieingly Sad,” written by Ciccone, and “Younger Girl” both made their way to the Billboard charts. After serving in the Vietnam war, he was tapped by Frankie Valli to join the Four Seasons, where he played guitar and bass. He also contributed lead vocals to songs including “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and “Rhapsody.”

“Mr. Dieingly Sad” is one of my favorite nuggets from the post British Invasion era, full of lush harmonies, soft melodic vocals and I was proud to review The Critters last album. Thanks for the memories Don, you will be missed.

Dearly beloved…

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We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life. Those words opened the iconic Purple Rain LP. Prince (Rogers Nelson) likely the most influential musician of the 1980s died Thursday at his Paisley Park studios and estate in Minnesota. He was 57. Prince’s irreverent attitude and antics were the stuff of legend. During disputes with Warner Bros. over a multi-million dollar contract in the 1990s, he frequently appeared with the word “slave” written on his forehead. In recent years, the artist and the entertainment giant had mended bridges and begun working together again. It’s a shame he had to go, he was too young.

Ground Control to Major Tom…

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Always the showman, Bowie could not have planned his death any better. On his 69th birthday he releases his final album “Blackstar” as a ‘parting gift’ for fans in his carefully planned finale. His influence across the spectrum of music (including rock and roll) cannot be understated. Not else much to say, except his legacy will live forever…

Your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you “Here am I floating round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Bd3iJSFyE