Obituary
R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther Actor Dies at 43
Actor Chadwick Boseman has died at the age of 43 following a four-year battle with colon cancer. According to a statement, Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and “battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV.” Boseman kept his diagnosis private up until his death. “He died in his home with his wife and family by his side,” the statements continues. “The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.” Boseman is best known playing Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in four films: the titular Black Panther, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: End Game. He also played Jackie Robinson in 42; James Brown in Get On Up; an...
R.I.P. Joe Ruby, Co-Creator of Scooby-Doo Dies at 87
Joe Ruby, co-creator of beloved animated characters including Scooby-Doo, has died of natural causes. Via Variety, he was 87 years old. Along with his writing partner Ken Spears, Ruby helped establish Hanna-Barbera’s voice and redefined Saturday morning cartoons. They created such beloved children’s series as Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, Dynomutt, Dog Wonder, Jabberjaw, The Barkleys, and The Houndcats. Later, Ruby-Spears Productions executive produced animated series like Superman, Mr. T., Alvin and the Chipmunks, Thundarr the Barbarian, and more. Born March 30th, 1933, Ruby began his career at Walt Disney, where he worked as an inbetweener: an assistant animator charged with drawing intermediate images between key frames. After a stint in the US Navy, Ruby eventually la...
Mike Noga, Solo Artist and Former Drummer With The Drones, Dies at 42
Mike Noga, the Australian singer, songwriter and former drummer with celebrated alternative rock outfit The Drones, has died at the age of 42. The sad news was announced on social media by Noga’s sister, Ali. “We are absolutely devastated to inform you of the passing of our beloved brother, son, uncle and dearest friend Mike,” the message reads. “We know how much he and his music meant to so many of you and there’s nothing we can say to make this hurt any less. We miss you and love you so much, Mike.” We are absolutely devastated to inform you of the passing of our beloved brother, son, uncle and dearest friend Mike. We… Posted by Ali Noga on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 The cause of death has not been revealed. Taking his spot behind the kit for the Drones, Noga...
R.I.P. Riley Gale, Power Trip Frontman Dead at 34
Riley Gale, frontman of the acclaimed Texas thrash metal band Power Trip, has tragically died at the age of 34. A statement from Power Trip on Tuesday evening (August 25th) confirmed his passing. The circumstances behind his death were not immediately made available, but it was revealed that he died on Monday night (August 24th). Power Trip’s most recent full-length, Nightmare Logic, ranked among our favorite albums of 2017, and also made our list of the Top 25 Metal Albums of the 2010s. As of March, the band was back in the studio working on new record. In June, they released a surprise live album. The band issued the following statement via Twitter: “Dear Power Trip fans worldwide. It is with the greatest of sadness we must announce that our lead singer and brother Riley Gale passed...
Justin Townes Earle Dies at 38
Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, the son of Steve Earle, has died. He was 38. His passing was confirmed Sunday night (Aug. 23) by a statement released on his official Facebook page. “It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin,” the statement reads. “So many of you have relied on his music and lyrics over the years and we hope that his music will continue to guide you on your journeys. You will be missed dearly Justin.” The cause of death has not been revealed. Earle is survived by his wife and daughter. Born in Nashville, Earle was named after songwriter Townes Van Zandt. “My mother hated Townes Van Zandt,” he said in an interview last year. “My first name was suppose...
R.I.P. Justin Townes Earle, Singer-Songwriter Dies at 38
Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle has died at the age of 38. “It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin,” read a statement posted to the musician’s social media. “So many of you have relied on his music and lyrics over the years and we hope that his music will continue to guide you on your journeys.” A cause of death was not immediately made available. Justin Townes Earle was the son of country legend Steve Earle, who named him after his own musical mentor, Townes van Zandt. The father and son had a complicated relationship; Steve left Justin’s mother when he was only two years old. After Steve got sober, however, Justin returned to live with his father and became immersed in Nashville’s music scene. As a teenager, Jus...
R.I.P. Walter Lure, Guitarist for Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers Dies at 71
Walter Lure, guitarist-vocalist for ’70s punk pioneers The Heartbreakers (also known as Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers), has died at the age of 71. The veteran musician passed away Saturday (August 22nd) after being diagnosed with liver and lung cancer last year. The Heartbreakers (not to be confused with Tom Petty’s backing band of the same name) formed in New York City in 1975 after Johnny Thunders and drummer Jerry Nolan quit The New York Dolls. The pair were joined by bassist Richard Hell after he parted ways with Television, and eventually Walter Lure to round out its initial lineup. The band would become an early fixture of the New York City punk scene, playing iconic venues like CBGBs and Max’s Kansas City. By 1976, Hell quit the band and was replaced by Billy Rath, ce...
R.I.P. Frankie Banali, Quiet Riot Drummer Dies at 68
Frankie Banali, longtime drummer for Quiet Riot, has died following a long battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. He was 68 years old. The news was confirmed by Banali’s wife, Regina, who wrote, “He put up an inspiringly brave and courageous 16-month battle to the end and continued playing live as long as he could.” Her statement continued, “Standard chemotherapy stopped working and a series of strokes made the continuation on a clinical trial impossible He ultimately lost the fight at 7:18PM on August 20th in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife and daughter.” Born and raised in New York City, Banali was the last remaining member of Quiet Riot’s classic ’80s lineup, having joined the band when they re-formed in 1982. Banali appeared on a total of 12 Quiet Riot albums, including 1983’s Me...
R.I.P. Jack Sherman, One-Time Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitarist Dies at 64
Jack Sherman, one-time guitarist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, has died at the age of 64. Red Hot Chili Peppers confirmed Sherman’s passing in a statement posted to Instagram. “We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed. Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA. He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform.” Sherman joined Chili Peppers in 1983, replacing the band’s founding guitarist Hillel Slovak. He played on the band’s 1984 self-titled debit and co-wrote a majority of the songs on their 1985 follow-up Freaky Styley. However, prior to the release of Freaky Styley, Sherman was fired so that Slovak could re-join the band. Sherman briefly...
R.I.P. Todd Nance, Founding Drummer of Widespread Panic Dies at 57
Founding Widespread Panic drummer Todd Nance has died at the age of 57. He passed away in Athens, Georgia from “sudden and unexpectedly severe complications of a chronic illness,” according to a statement from Nance’s family. His former bandmates in Widespread Panic issued a statement today as well. “With heavy hearts and loving memories we say goodbye to our Brother Todd Alton Nance,” it reads. “Widespread Panic was born the night of Todd’s first show… For thirty years Todd was the engine of the Widespread Panic. He wrote great songs, and was a giving and forgiving collaborator. T Man was the epitome of a ‘team player.’ Drove the band and drove the van. Funny, adventurous, and a very kind soul, we wish Todd and his family peace during the sad time after so many happy times. Safe travels, ...
R.I.P. Ben Cross, Chariots of Fire Star Dies at 72
Ben Cross, the English actor best known for starring in Chariots of Fire, has died at the age of 72. Cross died in Vienna, Austria on Tuesday following a short illness, according to his representative and family members (via AP). A statement from his family called Cross a natural entertainer who “could sing anything” thanks to his vast musical knowledge. “He was a man who taught us to embrace our feelings, whatever they may be,” the statement continued. “We are grateful for the time we had with him. His spirit lives on in our hearts through his words, his music, and the love that we still feel.” Born in London in 1947, Cross entered the performing arts shortly after graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He enjoyed a number of smaller roles early on, including a stint in 1977&...
Quinn Coleman, Capitol A&R Director, DJ and Son of Debra Lee, Dies at 31
Quinn Coleman, a major label executive, DJ and son of former BET chief Debra Lee and Randy Coleman, died suddenly on Sunday (Aug. 16) at the age of 31. Currently, Coleman’s cause of death remains unknown. Quinn was “a loving son, brother, cousin and friend, a passionate DJ and A&R executive with a bright future ahead of him,” reads a statement from a representative of Debra Lee. “Debra and her family are devastated by Quinn’s passing and ask for privacy and respect as they grieve together.” For more than two years, Coleman served as senior director of A&R at Capitol Records, based in Los Angeles, where he signed the group Brasstracks, whose debut album is due this week for release. Previously, he worked with Warner Bros. Records as A&R manager and as mar...
