The Days of Lore

RIP, Ronnie James Dio

Sunday, May 16th, 2010 | musiX | 1 Comment

Yes, he had a set of badass metal pipes, but Ronnie James Dio always came across as such a sincere and decent human being. Dio, who had been battling stomach cancer for the past six months, died today at the age of 67. What else can I say, but: \m/.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to slay a dragon in Dio’s honor.

Dio performing “Rainbow in the Dark” in 1985

Tags: "Rainbow in the Dark", death, Dio, Ronnie James Dio

Big Star’s Alex Chilton, 1950-2010

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | musiX | No Comments

The Commercial Appeal just reported that Big Star’s Alex Chilton died of an apparent heart attack today. He was 59.

Chilton got his start in the ’60s as a member of the Box Tops before going on to join Big Star in 1971. The band released a trio of gorgeous power pop records in 1972’s #1 Record, 1974’s Radio City and Third/Sister Lovers in 1978. Commercial flops, the records went on to influence everyone from R.E.M. to The Replacements. Keep an Eye on the Sky was released last year, a box set loaded with unreleased goodies. Read a great interview with Big Star drummer and founding member Jody Stephens here. Big Star was also to perform at SXSW this year.

Another great one gone. I leave you now with one of my favorites of many … I’m gonna go have a Guinness.

“My Life is Right” - Big Star (#1 Record)

Tags: #1 Record, Alex Chilton, Big Star, Box Tops, death, Radio City, Third/Sister Lovers

Doug Fieger, 1952-2010

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 | musiX | 1 Comment

When I think of power pop, I immediately think of The Knack—”My Sharona” is arguably the example of what a power pop song should be, and it’s still one of my favorites.

Knack guitarist/vocalist Doug Fieger died today at the age of 57 after years of battling cancer. It was reported today in The Detroit News. Fieger told the paper in January: “I’ve had 10 great lives. And I expect to have some more. I don’t feel cheated in any way, shape or form.”

And well he shouldn’t.

The Knack performing “My Sharona” live n 1979

Tags: death, Doug Fieger, Get the Knack, The Knack

Les Paul: 1915 - 2009

Thursday, August 13th, 2009 | musiX | 1 Comment

Les Paul re-defined music, inventing the solid-body electric guitar and pioneering multi-track recording back in the ’40s. Oh yeah, he was also a pretty decent guitarist.

Tags: death, Les Paul