Ronnie James Dio, July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010

As our readers will likely have heard, hard rock legend Ronnie James Dio passed away yesterday. Hugely respected and admired amongst both fans and peers, Ronnie sealed his place in music history as singer with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and their later iteration, Heaven & Hell. His wife Wendy made the following announcement on Dio's official website:

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/

Vic Chesnutt, 1964 - 2009

photo by Jem Cohen (2007)

"He was a man who made a decision. This decision broke hearts but set him free." - Patti Smith

It is with sadness and respect that we report on the death of singer/songwriter Vic Chesnutt, who passed away on December 25th 2009 at the age of 45.

Disabled in a car accident at the age of 18, Vic went on to craft 15 albums of haunting, beautiful music showcasing his vulnerable, cracked voice and unique view of the world. His work attracted the admiration of fellow musicians including Smashing Pumpkins, Patti Smith, Victoria Williams, and R.E.M. - who's frontman Michael Stipe would go on to produce Vic's first 2 albums.

Burdened with ill-health and the resulting debts of his treatment, the L.A. Times pointed out his case as 'a clear example of the institutionalized cruelty of the American healthcare system'.

Vic Chesnutt passed away on December 25th, "surrounded by devastated friends and family" (according to friend and producer Jem Cohen), following a coma induced by taking an overdose of muscle relaxants. He is reported to have owed more than $70,000 in medical debts.

Friend Kristin Hersh has set up a donations page in order that Vic's fans, friends and supporters can aid Vic's family in paying off these debts. If you have been touched by Vic's music or his life, please consider making a donation at the link below.

Donations.


Patti Smith has posted a moving tribute to Vic here.

Stream or download a 2009 interview with Vic from NPR, for free here.

Download six free songs from Vic's own website here.

James Gurley - Big Brother & The Holding Company's guitarist has passed away.

James Gurley, the guitarist of reknowned 60s psychadelic rock act Big Brother And The Holding Company has passed away of a heart attack, 2 days shy of his 70th birthday.

The influential group was a central part of the 1960s counter culture forged in San Francisco that would go on to define the decade musically. Particularly noted for their first two albums (1967's self titled effort, and the following year's 'Cheap Thrills'), the band's legacy would often, somewhat understandably be overshadowed by that of their dynamic vocalist, the irresistible Janis Joplin, who cut her teeth as a member of the band.

However Big Brother's creative, vivid arrangements were far from pedestrian, and their often avant garde playing held a marked (though often unacknowledged) influence over both their peers and their followers. As of 2009, BBHC continues to tour to widespread acclaim.

James Gurley's musicianship, both through recordings and through influence will of course continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Tributes from the surviving original members of the band, Sam Andrew, Peter Albin, and David Getz can be found here:

http://bbhc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=769