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The Death of Rock: Drug-related Deaths

G.G. Allin

(rumored to be Jesus Christ Allin, later changed to Kevin Allin, then G.G.), heroin overose; 1993. Controversial shock rocker who often mutilated himself and defecated on stage. Allin was 36.

Jay Bennett

died in his sleep in 2009 from an accidental Fentanyl overdose. He was 45. Bennet founded Titanic Love Affair and, from 1994 to 2001, was a member of Wilco. After leaving Wilco, he release five more albums. Albums with Wilco: Being There, Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Solo releases include: Bigger Than Blue, The Beloved Enemy.

Dave Brockie

heroin overdose in 2014; age 50. Brockie was the lead singer of Gwar, "earth's only openly extraterrestrial rock band." His body was found at his home in Richmond, Virginia by a band mate. Brockie performed in costume as Gwar's frontman under the persona of "Oderus Urungus." The group was nominated for two Grammy Awards. "Sammy," "If I Could Be That," "Mary Anne"

Mike Bloomfield

drug overdose in 1981. He was 38. Bloomfield was the lead guitarist for The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (for Paul Butterfield, see 1987) and founder of The Electric Flag. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the greatest guitarists of all time (ranking #22). The Paul Butterfield Blues Band recorded the album "A Long Time Comin’" and the soundtrack to the 1967 psychedelic film, "The Trip."

Tommy Bolin

overdose of heroin, alcohol, cocaine and barbiturates in 1976. He was 25. Supposedly, a few hours before his death, Bolin told a reporter, "Don't worry about me. I'm going to be around for a long time." Bolin played guitar for The James Gang (1973-74) and he replaced Ritchie Blackmore as guitarist for Deep Purple (1975-76). Deep Purple, minus Bolin, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple (pre-Bolin): "Smoke On the Water"

Jeremy Brown

multiple drug intoxication in 2015; he was 34. Brown, the guitarist for Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, died the day before the release of the band's debut album, Blaster. Weiland would also be dead by the end of the year.

Tim Buckley

(Timothy Charles Buckley III), heroin and morphine overdose in 1975. He was 28. Musician and father of Jeff Buckley (see 1997). "Song to the Siren"

^Paul Butterfield

heroin overdose (1987). He was 44. Butterfield lead The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006.

Toy Caldwell

cardiac arrest from a cocaine overdose in 1993; he was 45. Caldwell was the guitarist for Toy Factory and The Marshall Tucker Band (both with George McCorkle, see 2007). He was scheduled to play a fundraiser in memory of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant (see 1977) on the day he died. His brothers Tommy (also of the Marshall Tucker Band; see 1980) and Tim both died in motor vehicle accidents a month apart. "Can't You See," "Heard It In A Love Song," "Ramblin'"

Steve Clark

*Steve Clark

Clark (Stephen Maynard Clark) was the guitarist for Def Leppard. He was on a leave of absence from the band supposedly to deal with his alcoholism. He died in his sleep in 1991, from respiratory failure caused by a lethal mixture of alcohol and prescription drugs. He was 30. Def Leppard were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Love Bites," "Photograph"

Brian Cole

drug overdose in 1972. He was 29. Member of the group, The Association, who were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003. "Never My Love," "Cherish," "Windy," "Along Comes Mary"

Darby Crash

(Jan Paul Beahm, a.k.a. Bobby Pyn), heroin overdose the day before John Lennon's murder (1980). Founder of seminal L.A. punk band The Germs; Crash was 22. "Lexicon Devil"

Jesse Ed Davis

(Jesse Edwin Davis), heroin overdose; 1988. Davis was a respected and popular session guitarist who appeared on albums by Eric Clapton, John Lennon (see 1980), Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, Jackson Browne, Leonard Cohen, Harry Nilsson and Steve Miller. Davis also participated in George Harrison's (see 2001) The Concert for Bangladesh. Davis collapsed and was pronounced dead in a laundry room in Venice, California. He had various drugs in his system, but his death is thought to have been caused by a heroin overdose. He was 43 years old.

DJ AM

(Adam Michael Goldstein), overdose of OxyContin pain killers in 2009; drug paraphanelia (crack cocaine) was also found near the body. It is widely speculated that the cause of death was suicide. He was 36. Goldstein had survived a fatal plane crash less than a year before, sustaining third-degree burns. He often spoke about his survivor's guilt and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He had also recently broken up with his girlfriend. DJ AM was a popular club DJ and a member of Crazy Town, who scored a #1 hit with 2001's "Butterfly".) Three members of Crazy Town have died prematurely - DJ AM, Rust Epique (heart attack, see 2004) and Shifty Shellshock (cause of death unknown, see 2024).

Tommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey

aspiration of vomit (1956). Formed the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, which once included trombonist Glenn Miller (see 1944), with brother Jimmy (see 1957). Tommy ingested a large dinner and was accustomed to using pills to help him sleep. He was 50. The Dorsey Brothers had a live television series, "Stage Show," where Elvis Presley (see 1977) made his first national TV appearance. "Opus One" (with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra)

Quiet Riot: Carlos Cavazo, Kevin DuBrow (d. 2007), Rudy Sarzo, Frankie Banali (d. 2020).

Kevin DuBrow

accidental cocaine overdose (2007); age 52. DuBrow was the lead singer of '80s metal group, Quiet Riot. His fellow band members included guitarist Randy Rhoads (see 1982) and Frankie Banali (died in 2020 of pancreatic cancer, age 68). "Cum On Feel the Noize," "Bang Your Head (Metal Health)," "Slick Black Cadillac"

John Entwistle

*John Entwistle

heart attack (2002) brought on by cocaine use. He was 57. Virtuoso bassist for The Who, he died in his sleep, the day before the band's latest tour was to begin. The remaining members decided to proceed in tribute to the bassist. The Who (including drummer Keith Moon, see 1978) were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. "Baba O'Reilly," "Pinball Wizard," "Behind Blue Eyes"

*Howie Epstein

(Norman Howard Epstein), heroin overdose in 2003 at the age of 47. Epstein was the bassist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The band (including Epstein) was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. (Tom Petty died from cardiac arrest due to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2017. He was 66.) "Free Fallin'," "Learnin' to Fly," "I Won't Back Down," "Refugee"

*Pete Farndon

heroin overdose in 1983; he was 30. Farndon was the bassist for the Pretenders, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. (James Honeyman-Scott, guitarist for The Pretenders, would succumb to a cocaine overdose in 1982.) "Brass in Pocket," "Talk of the Town," "Message of Love." The Pretenders minus Farndon: "Back on the Chain Gang," "I'll Stand By You"

Keith Ferguson

liver failure due to heroin use in 1997; he was 50. Ferguson was the bassist for The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He appeared on the albums Girls Go Wild, What’s the Word, Butt Rockin’, T-Bird Rhythm, and Thunderbirds Tacos Deluxe.

Zac Foley

(Zachary Sebastian Rex James Foley), collapsed (2002) after combining ecstasy, crack cocaine, morphine and barbiturates along with vodka and beer. Member of the early-'90s one-hit wonders, EMF (Epson Mad Funkers?). He was 31. "Unbelievable"

Judy Garland

Judy Garland

(Frances Ethel Gumm), barbituate overdose in 1969; she was 47. Singer/actress from Hollywood's Golden Age. Appeared in several hit musicals, including "The Wizard of Oz" (for which she won a special juvenile Academy Award), "Meet Me in St. Louis," "Easter Parade," and "A Star is Born." Mother to entertainers Liza Minelli and Lorna Luft. "Over the Rainbow"

Lowell George

heart attack from a cocaine overdose in 1979; he was 34. George was a slide guitarist who left The Mothers of Invention to form Little Feat. With Little Feat: "Dixie Chicken," "Rock and Roll Doctor," "Spanish Moon"

Paul Gray

drug overdose in 2010. Gray (also known as "#2" or "The Pig"), was bassist for the metal outfit, Slipknot. The band only appeared publicly wearing grotesque masks and jumpsuits. Gray was found dead with a hypodermic needle and a bottle of pills in a hotel room in Iowa. Reportedly, he and his wife were expecting their first child at the time of his death. He was 38. Slipknot was nominated for seven Grammy Awards and a Video Music Award; the group took home a Grammy in 2006 for Best Metal Performance ("Before I Forget"). (Fellow Slipknot member, Joey Jordison, died "in his sleep" in 2021.) "Wait and Bleed," "Psychosocial," "Duality"

Jeff Hanson

multiple drug toxicity in 2009. Hanson had taken prescription anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication and alcohol; it was unclear if his death was intentional or accidental. He was 31. Hanson was a member of M.I.J. and later released three solo albums: Son, Jeff Hanson, and Madam Owl. His song, "Hiding Behind the Moon" appeared in the TV series Nip/Tuck.

Tim Hardin

drug overdose in 1980. He was 39. "Bird on a Wire."

Taylor Hawkins

*Taylor Hawkins

(Oliver Taylor Hawkins), was the drummer for Seattle-based Foo Fighters, having previously been the touring drummer for Alanis Morissette and Sass Jordan. Foo Fighters were touring South America when Hawkins was found dead in his hotel room in Bogota, Colombia on 25 March 2022. He died of multiple drug toxicity. At the time of his death, opioids, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and THC were found in his system. Hawkins was 50. Foo Fighters have won 15 Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album four times. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Read about Hawkins's involvement with the Shadows of Seattle. "This is a Call," "Big Me," "Everlong," "Learn to Fly," "Monkey Wrench"

Mitch Mitchell (d. 2008), Jimi Hendrix (d. 1970) and Noel Redding (d. 2003).

*Jimi Hendrix

(born Johnny Allen Hendrix, his father changed his name to James Marshall Hendrix when he was 4 years old), accidental death by combining alcohol and the barbiturate, Vesparax, in 1970. Hendrix was 27 and an established guitar legend. Sources are saying his death was actually a homicide; read about Hendrix's murder by his manager. You can also read about Hendrix's connection to the Curse of 27. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named Hendrix the greatest guitarist of all time. The Jimi Hendrix Experience, with Noel Redding (see 2003) and Mitch Mitchell (2008; natural causes at age 61), were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Hendrix was also inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. "Purple Haze," "Foxy Lady," "Manic Depression"

Gregory Herbert

heroin overdose in 1978; he was 31. Herbert was a jazz saxophonist and played briefly with Blood, Sweat and Tears: "You've Made Me So Very Happy," "Spinning Wheel," "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know"

*James Honeyman-Scott

cocaine overdose in 1982; he was 25. Honeyman-Scott was the guitarist for the Pretenders, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. (Pete Farndon, bassist for The Pretenders, would succumb to a heroin overdose in 1983.) "Brass in Pocket," "Talk of the Town," "Message of Love." The Pretenders minus Honeyman-Scott: "Back on the Chain Gang," "I'll Stand By You"

Shannon Hoon; newspaper article reporting Hoon's death.

Shannon Hoon

(Richard Shannon Hoon), heroin overdose in 1995. Lead singer of Blind Melon and back-up vocalist on "Don't Cry" by Guns n' Roses. Hoon was 28. "No Rain," "Tones of Home," "Galaxy"

The King of Pop; Jackson's casket arriving at the morgue.

*Michael Jackson

(Michael Joseph Jackson), cardiac arrest in 2009; he was 50. Jackson collapsed at his home and was not breathing when paramedics arrived. He was suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center. The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Jackson's death a homicide. Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician, was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter. Lethal levels of propofol (a powerful anesthetic) were found in the singer's system, in addition to two sedatives, which Murray administered in an effort to get Jackson to sleep.

Jackson was arguably the most famous entertainer in the world, winning every music (and music video) award in existence. He began his career as lead singer of The Jackson 5, a group consisting of Michael and his brothers. (Singer Janet Jackson is his younger sister.) He went onto a phenomenal solo career, releasing Thriller in 1982, the best-sellling album of all time. He influenced music, dance, music videos and fashion. Jackson co-wrote and performed on "We Are the World," for the charity USA for Africa, which went on to become the best-selling single at the time. He won 13 Grammy Awards, had 13 number one singles and achieved sales of over 750 million albums worldwide. Jackson was named male artist of the millennium at the World Music Awards. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice: with the Jackson 5 in 1997 and as a solo performer in 2001.

By contrast, his personal life was often a subject of controversy. He was married twice, once to Elvis Presley's (see 1977) daughter, Lisa Marie, and he was the father of three children: Michael Joseph, Jr. ("Prince") and Paris Michael Katherine (with second wife, Debbie Rowe), and Prince Michael II ("Blanket") born to an unnamed surrogate mother. Jackson battled several allegations of child molestation occuring at his Neverland Ranch and he came under fire when he once dangled "Blanket" off a balcony in front of the paparazzi. He was also criticzed for his compulsion for plastic surgery and his claim that he suffered from vitiligo, a condition where the skin loses all pigmentation.

With the Jackson 5: "I Want You Back," "ABC," "Who's Lovin' You," "The Love You Save," "I'll Be There," "Dancing Machine"

Solo career: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Rock With You," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," "Human Nature," "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (duet with Siedah Garrett), "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror," "Smooth Criminal," "Black or White," "Remember the Time," "In the Closet," "Scream" (duet with Janet Jackson)

"Pearl"

*Janis Joplin

heroin overdose in 1970; "Pearl" was 27. Blues legend Bessie Smith (see 1937) lay in an unmarked grave for 33 years, until Joplin and Juanita Green, Smith’s former maid and later a chapter-head of the NAACP, donated money for a headstone. "Pearl" was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. You can read about Joplin's connection to the Curse of 27. "Me and Bobby McGee," "Piece of My Heart," "Summertime," "Mercedes Benz"

Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly

drug overdose in 2013. He was 34. Kelly, who was half of the hip hop duo, Kris Kross, gained massive popularity with 1991's "Jump". At the time of his death, Kelly was determined to have multiple drugs in his system, including both heroin and cocaine.

Paul Kosoff

heart attack resultant of drug abuse; he was 25. Kossoff was the guitarist for Free. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the greatest guitarists of all time (ranking #51). "All Right Now"

Gerald Levert

accidental mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs in 2006; age 40. Levert released several solo albums (hits include "I Swear," "I'd Give Anything," and "Baby Hold On to Me"). He was a member of Levert ("Casanova," "Baby I'm Ready," and "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind") and LSG ("My Baby"). Gerald was the son of O'Jays member, Eddie Levert, Sr. and the brother of Sean, also a member of Levert, who died in 2008.

*Rudy Lewis

drug overdose in 1964. He was 28. Lewis sang lead for the Drifters from 1960-64. His vocal credits include "Up On the Roof" and "On Broadway." Lewis was found dead in his hotel room, having overdosed the night before the group was supposed to record "Under the Boardwalk." The Drifters were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.

Frankie Lymon

*Frankie Lymon

heroin overdose at age 25; 1968. Lymon was only 13 when "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" reached #1 on the R&B charts. Within ten years, three members of the group would be dead: Lymon, Sherman Garnes (see 1977), and Joey Negroni (see 1978). Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000. "I Want You to Be My Girl," "Who Can Explain?"

Phil Lynott

Phil Lynott

substance abuse (1986). Lynott was abusing alcohol and drugs; he was rushed to the hospital with both liver and kidney infections. He died several days later from heart failure and pneumonia. He was 36. Lynott was the singer for Irish rock band, Thin Lizzy. A life-size bronze statue of Lynott was dedicated in Dublin in 2005. (Guitarist Gary Moore would be found dead in a hotel room in 2011.) "The Boys Are Back in Town," "Whiskey in the Jar"

Jimmy McCulloch

heroin overdose in 1979, age 26. McCulloch played lead guitar in Paul McCartney's Wings (which also featured MSir Paul's wife, Linda Eastman McCartney - see 1998). "Band on the Run," "With a Little Luck," "Listen to What the Man Said"

Robbie McIntosh

drug overdose in 1974. McIntosh was the drummer for the Average White Band. While attending a party, McIntosh inhaled what he thought was cocaine; it was actually heroin laced with strychnine. He was 24. The Average White Band: "Pick Up the Pieces," "Cut the Cake," "A Love of Your Own"

Jonathan Melvoin

heroin overdose in 1996. Keyboardist for Smashing Pumpkins; Melvoin was 34. "Disarm," "Today"

Keith Moon

*Keith Moon

drug overdose (1978); he was 32. Moon was the drummer for The Who. On the eve of his death, he previewed The Buddy Holly Story and dined with his girlfriend, Annette Walter-Lax, and Paul and Linda McCartney. Moon and Walter-Lax returned to a flat owned by Harry Nilsson (heart failure, 1994, age 52) where "Mama" Cass Elliot had died four years earlier (heart failure, age 32). He supposedly woke up at 7:30 on the morning of the seventh, and returned to bed. At 3:40 pm, Walter-Lax tried to wake him, but he was unresponsive. At some point during the previous night or that morning, he had ingested 32 tablets of Clomethiazole (Heminevrin), a sedative prescribed for alcohol withdrawal. Keith Moon was dead of a prescription drug overdose. The Who (including bassist John Entwistle, see 2002), were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Read about Moon's connection to the Curse of Buddy Holly and the Curse of Harry Nilsson. "Baba O'Reilly," "Pinball Wizard," "Behind Blue Eyes"

Erick Morillo

acute ketamine toxicity in 2020. He was 49. Morillo was a DJ and producer. He garnered international attention with the 1993 hit, "I Like to Move It", which he produced under the name Reel 2 Real.

Bill Murcia

accidental drug overdose; in an effort to revive him, he was placed in a bathtub and forced to drink coffee. He died of asphyxiation at the age of 21 in 1972. Original drummer for The New York Dolls, he was replaced by Jerry Nolan (see 1992). Murcia and Nolan were two of four band members who would die prematurely, the other two being Johnny Thunders (see 1991) and Arthur "Killer" Kane (see 2004). "Personality Crisis," "Frankenstein"

*Brent Mydland

morphine and cocaine overdose; 1990. He was 37. Keyboardist for the Grateful Dead, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Mydland was the third of four Grateful Dead keyboardists to die prematurely. He succeeded Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (see 1973) and Keith Godchaux (see 1980) and was succeeded by Vince Welnick (see 2006). "Truckin,'" "Casey Jones," "St. Stephen"

Jerry Nolan

health complications stemming from drug use in 1992; he was 46. Nolan replaced drummer Bill Murcia (see 1972) in the glam-punk outfit The New York Dolls and later joined The Heartbreakers. Vocalist Johnny Thunders (also an alum of both bands) succumbed to drug use the previous year. (Nolan, Murcia, and Thunders were three of four former New York Dolls to die prematurely. The fourth was Arthur "Killer" Kane in 2004.) "You Can't Put Your Arms Around Money" (with The Heartbreakers), "Personality Crisis," "Frankenstein" (with The New York Dolls)

Bradley Nowell

heroin overdose in 1996. Singer for Sublime, he was 28. "What I Got"

Johnny O'Keefe

Johnny O'Keefe

heart attack caused by an accidental overdose of prescription medication in 1978. He was 43. O'Keefe was the Australian King of Rock & Roll, and the first Australian to chart (with the hit, "I'm The Wild One"). He opened for Bill Haley (see 1981) and later appeared on the Lee Gordon Tour in 1958 with Paul Anka and Buddy Holly (see 1959). In 1998, O'Keefe was honored on an Australian postage stamp. Read about O'Keefe's connection to the Curse of Buddy Holly. "Shout," "She's My Baby," "It's Too Late," "I'm Counting On You," "Move Baby Move," "She Wears My Ring"

Gram Parsons

*Gram Parsons

(Ingram Cecil Connor III ), drug toxicity (1973); he was 26. Parsons was a member of the Byrds (with Gene Clark, see 1991, and Michael Clarke, see 1993). Parsons had stated that he wanted his body cremated at Joshua Tree National Monument (CA) and his ashes spread over Cap Rock. But Parson's stepfather had arranged for a private ceremony in New Orleans. So to honor Parsons's wishes, music producer, Phil Kaufman, and a friend stole his body, borrowed a hearse, and drove to Joshua Tree. They then proceeded to pour five gallons of gasoline into the open coffin, followed by a lit match - creating a huge fireball. They were arrested and fined $750 ($700?) for stealing the coffin. Earlier that year, Parsons sang "Farther Along" at Clarence White's funeral service and created his final song, "In My Hour of Darkness," as a partial tribute to him. White had replaced Parsons in The Byrds when Parsons quit the group in 1968. The Byrds were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2006. "Turn, Turn, Turn," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Eight Miles High"

John Paulos

drug overdose in 1980. He was 32. Paulos was the drummer for The Buckinghams on several hits, including "Kind Of A Drag," "Don't You Care," and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy."

Kristen Pfaff

heroin overdose on the same day in 1994 that she planned on leaving Seattle to escape the city's pervasive drug culture. She was 27. Pfaff was the bassist for Hole, performing on the album Live Through This. She was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 1994. (Pfaff was born in Buffalo, NY and settled in Minneapolis, MN during college.) The University of Minnesota's radio station, KUOM, started a yearly $1,000 Memorial Scholarship in her name, for "individuals active in the arts in the pursuit of their educational goals." A portion of the proceeds from Hole's album sales have gone to the Kristen Pfaff Memorial Fund. Read about her involvement with the Shadows of Seattle. "Miss World," "Doll Parts," "Violet"

River Phoenix

River Phoenix

(River Jude Bottom), drug overdose at age 23. Phoenix, although known primarily for his critically-acclaimed acting, was the guitarist for Aleka's Attic. In 1993, Phoenix collapsed and went into cardiac arrest outside the Viper Room on Halloween night. Ephedrine, marijuana, valium, cocaine and morphine were found in the strict vegan's system. Since his death, he has been memorialized in songs by Belinda Carlisle, Natalie Merchant, REM, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and others. "Across the Way," "Too Many Colors," "Note to a Friend"

Jeff Porcaro

hardening of the arteries due to cocaine abuse in 1992. Porcaro was Toto's drummer. The group garnered six Grammy Awards in its heyday. Porcaro's death, while gardening, was originally thought caused by an anaphylactic reaction to a pesticide. He was 38 at the time of his demise. "Africa," "Rosanna," "Hold the Line"

"The King"

*#Elvis Presley

cardiac arrest in 1977, the result of many and multiple prescription drugs in his system. He was 42. Presley was an actor in over 30 films and the undisputed "King of Rock and Roll." According to Billboard, Presley holds the record for the most albums charting in the Billboard 200: 129 (second-place Frank Sinatra has "merely" 82). Elvis also holds the record - 67 weeks - for most cumulative weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 for a male solo artist. He holds the records for most certified gold albums (101; Barbra Streisand comes in a distant second with 51), and platinum albums - 57. The King was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. He was also honored on a United States postage stamp. Elvis is possibly the most-imitated entertainer in history. Read about the King's connection to the Curse of Buddy Holly, or about the auction of Elvis's crypt. "That's All Right," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," "Jailhouse Rock," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Suspicious Minds," "Blue Christmas"

Prince

Prince

(Prince Rogers Nelson), accidental overdose of fentanyl, an opiod (pain killer), in 2016. Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors for cancer treatment and is 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is unclear whether the artist was prescribed the drug or came about it illegally. Prince was 57. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. He has won an Academy Award, two Brit Awards, a Golden Globe, 7 Grammy Awards and 4 MTV Video Music Awards (and one Golden Raspberry Award). "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," "Let's Go Crazy," "Raspberry Beret," "Kiss"

Carl Radle

kidney infection (1980) as a result of long-term alcohol and drug abuse. Radle was the bassist for Derek and the Dominos, George Harrison (see 2001), and Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen. He was 37. Radle was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Ramones: Johnny, Dee Dee, Joey & Marky

*Dee Dee Ramone

(Douglas Colvin), drug overdose in 2002. He was 49. Bassist for The Ramones. All three founding members would die within four years of one another. (Joey Ramone died the previous year from lymphoma and Johnny Ramone would succumb to prostate cancer in 2004.) Punk pioneers, The Ramones were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. "I Wanna Be Sedated," "Teenage Lobotomy"

Doug Rauch

(Douglass Haywood Rauch), drug overdose in 1979. He was 28. Rauch was the bassist for Santana in the early 1970s, playing on the albums, Caravanserai and Welcome. He also played with David Bowie, Carly Simon, and Papa John Creach.

Jay Reatard

(Jimmy Lee Lindsey, Jr.), died in 2010 of "cocaine toxicity". Reatard was a prolific garage/punk musician, who released albums with The Reatards, The Lost Sounds, Bad Times, The Final Solutions, Angry Angles, Terror Visions, and Destruction Unit. Reatard also released numerous singles and two albums (Blood Visions and Watch Me Fall) as a solo artist. Reatard was discovered dead in his bed by a roommate. He was 29.

Matt Roberts

former lead guitarist and backing vocalist (1996-2012) for 3 Doors Down. Prescription drug overdose in 2016; he was 38. Roberts was a founding member of the group. "Kryptonite," "When I'm Gone," "Here Without You"

The Temptations, 1964-68: David Ruffin (d. 1991), Paul Williams (d. 1973), Eddie Kendricks (d. 1992), Melvin Franklin (d. 1995), & Otis Williams (clockwise from bottom left).

*David Ruffin

found at the emergency entrance of a Philadelphia hospital, dead of a cocaine overdose in 1991. Ruffin sang tenor for the Temptations, replacing Elbridge Bryant in 1963. (Bryant died of cirrhosis of the liver in 1975, Paul Williams committed suicide in 1973, Eddie Kendricks succumbed to lung cancer in 1992 and Melvin Franklin died after a seizure in 1995.) Ruffin was 50 at the time of his death. The Temptations were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, and both the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1999. "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"

Stefanie Sargent

heroin overdose in 1992; she was 24. Sargent was the guitarist for 7 Year Bitch, an all-female band from Seattle's early-'90s grunge scene. Sargent abused alcohol and heroin, choking on her own vomit. A future guitarist for the group, Lisa Fay Beatty, would be killed in a motorcycle accident in 2011 at the age of 47. Read about his involvement with the Shadows of Seattle. From Sick 'Em: "Tired of Nothing," "You Smell Lonely," "Dead Men Don't Rape"

John Baker Saunders

heroin overdose in 1999. He was 44. Saunders was bassist for Mad Season, which featured Alice in Chains vocalist, Layne Staley (who would also die a heroin-related death in 2002.) Read about their involvement with the Shadows of Seattle. "River of Deceit," "Above," "Wake Up"

Bobby Sheehan

(Robert Vaughan Sheehan), drug overdose in 1999; he was 31. Sheehan was the bassist for the popular '90s band, Blues Traveler. Valium, cocaine, and heroin were found in his system. "Run Around," "The Mountains Win Again," "Hook"

Shifty Shellshock

(Seth Binzer), accidental overdose of prescription and street drugs (2024). He was 49. Shellshock was the lead singer of Crazy Town, who scored a #1 hit with 2001's "Butterfly". He very publicly battled drug addiction, appearing on Celebrity Rehab 1 and 2 and Sober House 1 and 2. Three members of Crazy Town have died prematurely - Shellshock, Rust Epique (heart attack, see 2004) and DJ AM (drug overdose, see 2009).

*Hillel Slovak

heroin overdose in 1988; he was 26. Slovak, born in Israel to Holocaust survivors, was a founding member and the guitarist for California funk-rock band, Red Hot Chili Peppers. He appeared on their first two albums and was included in their 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, but the band's success didn't ignite until several years after the guitarist's death. Post-Slovak: "Higher Ground," "Under the Bridge," "Give It Away"

Layne Staley

Layne Staley

overdose of heroin and cocaine in 2002. Staley was 34. Lead singer of Alice in Chains and Mad Season, Staley was found dead in his apartment, his body undiscovered for 2 weeks. He died on 5 April, the date that Kurt Cobain took his life in 1994. Mike Starr, former bassist for AIC, was the last known person to see Staley alive; he spent time with the singer the day before he died. Starr stated that Staley was extremely ill, but would not call 911. The two argued and Starr stormed off with Staley calling after him, "Not like this, don't leave like this." Starr regretted not calling 911 to save his friend's life and blamed himself for Staley's death. (Mike Starr would die of a suspected drug overdose in 2011. Coincidentally, Staley's bassist in Mad Season, John Baker Saunders, died of a heroin overdose in 1999. Read about their involvement with the Shadows of Seattle.) AIC had the heaviest sound of the early '90s Grunge movement, with songs like "Would?", "Rooster", "Them Bones", "No Excuses", "Down in a Hole", "Got Me Wrong", and "Angry Chair".

Alice in Chains, circa 1992: Mike Starr (d. 2011), Jerry Cantrell, Layne Stayley (d. 2002) and Sean Kinney.

Mike Starr

(Michael Christopher Starr), suspected drug overdose; he was 44. Starr was the bassist for grunge icons, Alice in Chains. He was replaced in the group in 1993 after the release of the album, Dirt, because of his addiction to heroin. In February 2011, he was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance in Salt Lake City, Utah. A month later, he was found dead in a Salt Lake City home of a suspected overdose. (Some sources site a prescription drug overdose.) In 2010, Starr appeared on the television series, Celebrity Rehab for heroin addiction. He remembered Alice in Chains lead singer, Layne Staley, and his death in 2002. Starr was the last known person to see Staley alive; he spent time with the singer the day before his death. He stated that Staley was extremely ill, but would not call 911. The two argued and Starr stormed off with Staley calling after him, "Not like this, don't leave like this." Starr regretted not calling 911 to save his friend's life and blamed himself for Staley's death. Read about his involvement with the Shadows of Seattle. AIC had the heaviest sound of the early '90s Grunge movement, with songs like "Would?", "Rooster", "Them Bones", "No Excuses", "Down in a Hole", "Got Me Wrong", and "Angry Chair".

Wayne Static

(Wayne Richard Wells), multiple prescription drug toxicity; 2014. He was 48. Static was the lead vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist for metal band Static-X. Static died peacefully in his sleep. "Push It," "The Only," "I'm the One"

Bob Stinson

(Robert Neil Stinson), organ failure due to long-term drug use (1995). He was 35. Stinson was a founder and the guitarist for The Replacements. "I Will Dare," "Unsatisfied," "Bastards of the Young"

Rory Storm

(Alan Caldwell), overdose in 1972. He was 34. Storm fronted The Hurricanes with Johnny Guitar (see 1999) and future Beatle Ringo Starr. He and his mother ingested sleeping pills in a double suicide after the death of his father. "Dr. Feelgood," "America"

James "The Rev" Sullivan

overdose of oxycodone, oxymorphone, diazepam, nordiazepam, and alcohol (2009). Sullivan was 28. Sullivan was the drummer for Avenged Sevenfold, who were named Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2006. "Bat Country," "Afterlife," "Almost Easy"

Vinnie Taylor

(Chris Donald), heroin overdose in 1974; age unknown. Taylor was the lead guitarist for the nostalgic "Greaser" band, Sha Na Na. (Fellow member, David "Chico" Ryan, would die of undisclosed causes in 1998.) "Good Night, Sweetheart"

Gary Thain

heroin overdose in 1975; he was 27. Thain was the bassist for Uriah Heep. During his final tour, Thain was electrocuted, blacked out, and suffered serious burns. He also (supposedly) contracted an untreatable STD. He was found dead in the bath by his girlfriend. (Heep vocalist, David Byron, would succumb to excessive alcohol consumption in 1985.) "Easy Livin'," "Sweet Lorraine," "Stealin'"

Johnny Thunders

(John Anthony Genzale), died in 1991 at the age of 39. Thunders was the vocalist for glam-punk outfit The New York Dolls and later joined The Heartbreakers. His death is generally accepted as an overdose of cocaine and methadone, according to the coroner's office in New Orleans. A few conspiracy theories exist that he was actually murdered. Drummer Jerry Nolan, who replaced Bill Murcia (see 1972) in The NY Dolls and also later joined The Heartbreakers, succumbed to drug use the following year. (Thunders, Nolan, and Murcia are three of four former New York Dolls to die prematurely. The fourth was Arthur "Killer" Kane in 2004.) "You Can't Put Your Arms Around Money" (with The Heartbreakers), "Personality Crisis," "Frankenstein" (with The New York Dolls)

Steve Peregrin Took

co-founder of T. Rex, ingested morphine and magic mushrooms. His throat numbed by the combination, he subsequently choked to death on a cherry. It was 1980 and he was 31. Took was one of five members of T-Rex to die prematurely: see Marc Bolan, 1977; Steve Currie, 1981; Mickey Finn, 2003; and "Dino" Dines, 2004. T-Rex (minus Peregrin Took) was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. "Bang a Gong (Get it On)," "Hot Love," "Telegram Sam," "Metal Guru"

Sid Vicious

*Sid Vicious

(John Simon Ritchie), heroin overdose in 1979. Sex Pistols' bassist; he was 21. Vicious died while on bail after being charged in his girlfriend's murder. It is speculated that the overdose was administered by his mother and was intentionally fatal. The Sex Pistols were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. "Anarchy in the U.K.," "God Save the Queen"

Dinah Washington

*^Dinah Washington

(Ruth Jones), a lethal combination of secobarbital and amobarbital, prescriptions for her insomnia and diet (1963). She was 39. Washington was the most popular black female artist of the 1950s, with several top 10 R&B hits. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2003. "Wheel of Fortune," "Cold, Cold Heart," "Baby Get Lost," "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" (with Brook Benton)

Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland

found dead in his bed on his tour bus of an accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol in 2015. He was 48. Weiland was the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver. Stone Temple Pilots were one of the most successful bands of the grunge era with 11 top ten hits. His latest project, Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, suffered a loss when their guitarist, Jeremy Brown, died earlier in the year, just a day prior to the release of their debut album, Blaster. "Plush," "Creep," "Interstate Love Song," "Big Empty"

Mikey Welsh

(Michael Edward Welsh), suspected heroin overdose in 2011. Welsh, 40, was the bassist for Weezer. He left the band because of a nervous breakdown and he attempted suicide the same year Weezer's debut album, Weezer (The Blue Album), was produced. Read about Welsh's connection to The Curse of Buddy Holly. "Undone - The Sweater Song," "Buddy Holly," and "Say It Ain't So."

Hank Williams

*#Hank Williams

(Hiram King Williams, Sr.), severe heart attack because of excessive drug and alcohol consumption (1953). Williams was 29. In 1961, he was the first artist selected for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Williams was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1985 and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He was also honored on a United States postage stamp. Country Music Television ranked him second on their "40 Greatest Men of Country Music" in 2003. (Johnny Cash got top honors.) In 2010, he was awarded a special citation by the Pulitzer Prize Committee. "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'" For a complete list of Williams's awards, a detailed account of his career, and information on the Curse of Hank Williams (in relation to fellow country crooner, Johnny Horton), visit Hank Williams's Tribute.

Andrew Wood

Andrew Wood

heroin overdose in 1990. Lead singer of Mother Love Bone, precursor to Pearl Jam, and he was once the roommate of Chris Cornell (lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave; see 2017). Wood was 24. Read about his involvement with the Shadows of Seattle. "Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns," "Bone China," "Stardog Champion"