Rockstars We’ve Lost In 2019 That You Might Not Know About

For humans like us, death is an unavoidable stage we go through. Such is the circle of life. This 2019, various figures in the rock industry have laid in eternal rest, either from some form of disease or old age. In remembrance of these people who have contributed to the craft, here are some of rock influences and figures that have crossed on to the other side.

Pegi Young

Neil Young’s ex-wife, whom he married on 1978, contributed on some of his albums with her backing vocals. In addition to this, Pegi has released four albums of her own, the latest being 2017’s Raw, which was aimed at their divorce that year. She passed away at the age of 66 on the New Year, January 1st, after a year-s bout with cancer.

Steve Ripley

An unsung hero working behind the scenes, Ripley was a session guitarist who played for Bob Dylan’s Shot Of Love album and accompanying tour. He was also instrumental in creating the stereo guitar with brand Kramer, which was often depicted in photographs with Eddie Van Halen. Ripley died from cancer on the 3rd of January, at the age of 69.

Jim Dunlop Sr.

One of the business tycoons that helped shape the industry, Dunlop established the well-known self-named brand that produced guitar implements such as strings, picks, and even effects, most notably the Wah pedal. He died at the age of 82, on the 6th of February.

Joe Hardy

One of the most known sound engineers of the industry, his lengthy 45-year career included working on albums by hot bands like Alice Cooper and the Replacements, but he is most known for his work on ZZ Top catalogs, from the scathing Eliminator, up to Billy Gibbons’ latest, Big Bad Blues. He died at the age of 66 on the 12th of February.

Peter Tork

The Monkees’ bass and keyboard player Peter Tork also sang lead on some of their tracks, including “Words” and “Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?”. Tork died at the age of 77, on the 21st of February from adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Kieth Flint

Prodigy’s frontman Kieth Flint was known for his absurd antics and energy-filled performances, being one of electronic music’s pioneers. He died at the age of 49 on the 4th of March, due to suicide.

Mike Grose

Grose, who died on the 8th of March, was Queen’s first bassist before John Deacon walked in, but was only there for three shows before he left the band. Grose joined another band, headed by Tim Staffel, who was with Brian May and Roger Taylor in the band Smile, before he left to pursue greener pastures. Freddie joined Smile, which he reformed as Queen, and the rest is history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAaDpE7TC0

Dick Dale

The King of Surf Rock became one of the most known guitarist for his eccentric yet infectious playstyle, using staccato picking and reverb effects, with his most known work on “Misirlou” marking a new brand of rock music. He passed away at the age of 81, on the 16th of March, after a battle with multiple illnesses.

Leon Redbone

One of the roots preservationists in rock music, Redbone was known for his mysterious aura, shrouded by facial hair, dark glasses, a Panama hat, and a monotone ensemble, while performing historic tracks from Jimmie Rodgers and Fats Waller. He died on the 30th of May, but the cause is still undisclosed.

Dr. John

A New Orleans prodigy, Dr. John was a multi-instrumentalist that could rock it on the guitar and piano. After a stint being a session musician in the 60’s, he soon found himself a solo career, spouting hits like “Right Place, Wrong Time” and “Such A Night”. The Night Tripper succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 77, on the 6th of June.