Dead Musicians - Whose death had the most impact for each ge

[Scurvy Dog]

The 30th Anniversary of Elvis' death inspired this thread.

Here's something most people here can get into, because this topic reaches from the dawn of rock & roll until now. Over the years, we've seen quite a few deaths of musicians and singers, some more impactful for that generation than others.

Whose death do you think impacted its generation most? Here are my suggestions:

1950s: Death of Elvis Presley (most famous in the 50s, died in 1977)

1960s: Death of John Lennon (Beatles peaked in the 60s, Lennon died in 1980) Runners up: Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix

1970s: Death of John Bonham (drummer for Led Zeppelin - LZ was at their height late 60s/mid 70s, Bonham died in 1980)

1980s: Death of several drummers for Spinal Tap. Just kidding. I don't have any for this generation yet that would impact most of all. Granted, we had the death of Cliff Burton (Metallica bassist), but I have a feeling that the eventual death of Sting, Bono, Prince, or Madonna will be bigger news.

1990s: Death of Kurt Cobain. Peaked and died in the 1990s. Only one who will even run a close second would probably be Dave Matthews.

2000s: Too early to tell, though if fame so far this decade is any indicator, it will probably unfortunately be Britney Spears.  :-&

What are your thoughts on this? Please note that I have not included any rap groups. I know a few of them have died, but I'm not into rap enough to know what would be the "most impactful death" for a generation.

[the wigan warrior]

I got one for the 80's, Freddie mercury maybe?

I agree with you alot there actually, the death of John Bonham is similiar to the death of Keith Moon for The Who.. they was kinda in their peek when he died.

The death of Tony Wilson a couple of week back also. He started off a few good bands like Happy Mondays and Joy Division.. His death has had a major impact on anyone who like the whole Madchester music scene.

I'd say John Lennons death impacted music the most, Things would of been different if he was still around.

[TheGingerWarrior]

Even know i wasnt alive then it would have to be John Lennon for me.
Especially because im from his home town too, everyone just didnt seem to be able to take it in.
I was a bit too young and not into music so much for Kurt Cobains death but i really got into Nirvana when i was about 13.
I defenitly think the music industry woud be alot different if Lennon and Cobain where alive.
Hmm
do you think the beatles would have eventually got back together had lennon lived?

[the wigan warrior]

Even know i wasnt alive then it would have to be John Lennon for me.
Especially because im from his home town too, everyone just didnt seem to be able to take it in.
I was a bit too young and not into music so much for Kurt Cobains death but i really got into Nirvana when i was about 13.
I defenitly think the music industry woud be alot different if Lennon and Cobain where alive.
Hmm
do you think the beatles would have eventually got back together had lennon lived?

Me and my dad always talk about how good it would be if The Beatles had got back together, if John Lennon hadn't of died I think they would of got back together.. Even after george Harrison died, they could of replaced him (you can't ever replace him just a stand in while there on tour)... they deffinatley would of reforemd for a while, and it would of been kick ass!!!     

Imagine that... <<< how clever was that eh?

[Lion]

Honestly, I think music would of taken a different direction.  All those people already mentioned will always be great!!!

[Cowboy Is Cool]

From what I understand, the Beatles hated each other by the time they broke up, but I imagine that had they all lived, there would have possibly been an eventual reunion. Some people don't like to hear this, but they were definitely in it for the money. I once read a book where either Lennon or McCartney (can't remember which one) laughed about how deep everyone thought their lyrics were, and commented that they used to say to each other "Today let's write a swimming pool," or similar comments. I think over time, they would eventually give it another go.

I can't help but wonder if John would have eventually ditched Yoko, had he lived. I also shudder to think what he may have become. I have a feeling if he were still alive, he'd bring Cindy Sheehan into the studio to re-record "Give Peace a Chance" in protest of Dubya. And political beliefs aside, it does get annoying when celebrites become a mouthpiece for "issues" - no matter what stance they take.

What musicians still alive today will impact their generation the most when they die?

Who will be sadly overlooked?

Yes, I read that George Harrison was in almost constant arguments with Lennon and McCartney at the time that they broke up. They didn't like some of the songs he wrote, and then he took those songs, recorded them, and put them on his solo album, which did amazing. Thus, he shoved it right back in their faces. 

Well, you just know that all of the tabloids will be covering the deaths of Brittany Spears, when that happens. It'll be all over the news, and I will be sickened beyond measure. I think that Roger Waters's death may make a big impact, but I don't know. I only really liked him in Pink Floyd.

And when David Byrne dies, I will be one sad puppy. 

[vermin76]

can i please ask why 2 pioneers of 2 of the worlds geatest bands have never been mentioned?

phillip parris lynott one of the finest black musicians to ever grace the worlds stages and show that music doesnt have to be just for one creed.

ronald bonham belford scott the original voice of the finest band to come out of australia none other than ac/dc

may they both raise hell wherever they go

bless those guys

[the wigan warrior]

can i please ask why 2 pioneers of 2 of the worlds geatest bands have never been mentioned?

phillip parris lynott one of the finest black musicians to ever grace the worlds stages and show that music doesnt have to be just for one creed.

ronald bonham belford scott the original voice of the finest band to come out of australia none other than ac/dc

may they both raise hell wherever they go

bless those guys

Its ashame Phil Lynott died so young, he was a great musician his voice and his ability to play bass.. Thin Lizzy are one of my favourite bands.

[TheGingerWarrior]

Going back to everyone saying the beatles argued alot and such. In the beggining they where all good mates apparently, when they started doing drugs and living the life they where in eachother faces.
i suppose thats what fame could do to you.
I think when Bono dies (God woe the day) that it will have a huge impact.
U2 are one of the best bands in history.

[vermin76]

john entwhistle of the who

now heres a guy who kept his nose clean.the quietest of the 4 yet he goes and  dies of a heart attack in america.

a real gent in the rock world


now i know this guy wasnt a musician but john peel was a radio d.j. who promoted a lot of bands by playing ther demo discs and giving them radio airplay.he was renowned throughout the whole of britain and he also helped move thin lizzy over the water from their native ireland to london and help put them on the map.

[TheNewfieWarrior]

You should add Tupac...? He died September 13, 4:03pm 7 days before I turned four.

[Tantive7]

Going back to everyone saying the beatles argued alot and such. In the beggining they where all good mates apparently, when they started doing drugs and living the life they where in eachother faces.
i suppose thats what fame could do to you.
[glow=red,2,300]I think when Bono dies (God woe the day) that it will have a huge impact.
U2 are one of the best bands in history.[/glow]

From one DIEHARD U2 Fan..to another..I love that comment!!!


You really had me thinking about this topic alot WWarrior,and Scurvy Dog..
For Me Personally,if you wanna see me cry,and passout..
The day Bono,and Madonna go,
I will be a broken man..
Because I love them to death.. See myspace Page..
God forbid,if they both go at the same time..
It would be too much for me..
They would have to take me to a hospital..
Oh,I almost forgot..I love Sting and Prince too..
What would happen if Michael Jackson Goes??
Do you think controversy will follow him??
Or how about Bruce Springsteen?? <----God Forbid
Or how about Garth Brooks?? <----God Forbid
This is one topic that can branch out into many directions

I wonder what would happen when Mick Jagger Goes..
I can see The Rolling Stone Cover now
Or Even Bob Dylan or Paul McCartney,
To my man,Ozzy Ozbourne or Paul Stanley
But Yet you look at alot of artist who went when they were young.
Tupac,Alliyah,Buddy Holly,Stevie Ray Vaughn,
And when you mention The impact..WOW..
This is one topic that can go any which way...
Let me hear what more people have to say..

[papa arnold]

elvis all the way for me i love his songs my favourite was suspiscious minds

[yids-warrior]

ya cant leave out marc bolan from t-rex either massive star in the whole 70's glam rock era!
i think when people like bowie(the thin white duke!i love that nickname for him  ) and elton john start dropping the reaction will be massive same with jagger and the stones plus the last 2 from the who!
but you have to say that elvis and lennon are probably the most mentioned huh!
i wonder how the world will react to michael jacksons death???

[the wigan warrior]

ya cant leave out marc bolan from t-rex either massive star in the whole 70's glam rock era!
i think when people like bowie(the thin white duke!i love that nickname for him  ) and elton john start dropping the reaction will be massive same with jagger and the stones plus the last 2 from the who!
but you have to say that elvis and lennon are probably the most mentioned huh!
i wonder how the world will react to michael jacksons death???

He deffinately will be missed.. What he did for pop music was unbelievable, truly was (and still is) the King of pop.

I think Stevie Wonders death will impact music more.. He is one talented chap.. watch this video, tremendous!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SCZv7786KY

Also Eric Clapton, he deffinately will be missed. He's one talented chap.