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Scorpions drummer James Kottak died January 9, 2024.

James Kottak (December 26, 1962 – January 9, 2024) was an American drummer renowned for his tenure with the German hard rock band Scorpions. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Kottak’s career in music was marked by both his technical proficiency and his charismatic stage presence. His contributions to the Scorpions were pivotal during his nearly two-decade-long association with the band, cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in rock drumming. Kottak’s early life was steeped in music. He began playing drums at an early age, demonstrating a natural aptitude that would shape his future career. Before joining the Scorpions, Kottak was…
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Singer and Starsky & Hutch actor David Soul died January 4, 2024.

David Soul, born David Richard Solberg on August 28, 1943, and passing away on January 4, 2024, was a distinguished American-British actor and singer who left a lasting impact on both the television and music industries. Renowned for his charismatic screen presence and vocal talent, Soul’s career spanned several decades, marked by a blend of popular success and critical acclaim. Early Life and Career Beginnings David Soul was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a family with a strong cultural and academic background. His father, Dr. Richard Solberg, was a Lutheran minister, professor, and an executive at the Lutheran World Federation,…
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Beach Boy Jeffrey Foskett died December 11, 2023.

Jeffrey Foskett (February 17, 1956 – December 11, 2023) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was best known as a touring and studio musician for Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys since the 1980s and was described as the Beach Boys’ “vice principal” by its touring members. Jeffrey Foskett was born and raised in San Jose, California, and began his first band in the 1970s known as Cherry, after the Willow Glen area street on which he lived. Foskett played mostly surf music covers in the same market as Papa Doo Run Run, with whom Foskett would…
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Denny Laine died December 5, 2023.

Denny Laine (October29, 1944 – December 5, 2023) was born Brian Frederick Arthur Hines and was a highly influential and versatile English musician, singer, and songwriter, known as a founder of two major rock bands: the Moody Blues, with whom he played from 1964 to 1966, and Wings, with whom he played from 1971 to 1981, and despite the group’s constant personnel changes along with the McCartneys he remained the only constant during the band’s tenure, post-Wings he continued to feature on McCartneys solo albums. Laine worked with a variety of artists and groups over a six-decade career, and continued…
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April Wine’s Myles Goodwyn died December 3, 2023.

Myles Goodwyn (June 23, 1948 – December 3, 2023) was born Myles Francis Goodwyn and was a Canadian musician, lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of April Wine. He released 16 studio albums with April Wine, and two albums as a solo artist. Myles Goodwyn stands as a living testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and musical innovation. Best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the iconic rock band April Wine, Goodwyn has left an indelible mark on the Canadian and international music scene. Early Life and Musical Beginnings Myles Francis Goodwyn was born on…
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Shane MacGowan: Pogues singer died November 30, 2023.

Shane MacGowan was an Irish singer and songwriter and legendary figure in the world of music, known for his distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the Celtic punk band The Pogues. Shane Patrick Lysaght MacGowan was born in Pembuty, Kent, England, to Irish parents on Christmas Day, 1957. MacGowan was a troubled but talented musician who struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues throughout his life. Despite his struggles, he wrote some of the most iconic songs in Irish music, including “Fairytale of New York,” “Fiesta,” and “The Saltiest Sea.” MacGowan’s musical…
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Killing Joke’s Geordie Walker died on November 26, 2023.

Killing Joke’s Geordie Walker was born Kevin Walker on December 18, 1958, and left an indelible mark on the world as an English rock musician. His musical journey was primarily defined by his role as the guitarist for the influential post-punk group Killing Joke, a band that would become synonymous with his unorthodox and widely acclaimed electric guitar playing. Walker’s passion for the guitar was ignited at a young age, at the tender age of ten, when he was profoundly moved by the distinctive guitar sound in “Sabre Dance” by Love Sculpture. The impact was so significant that he confessed,…
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The Psychedelic Furs saxophonist Mars Williams died November 20, 2023.

Mars Williams (May 29, 1955 – November 20, 2023) was an accomplished American saxophonist who traversed through various musical genres, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of jazz, rock, and post-punk. Born on May 29, 1955, Williams’ musical journey was heavily influenced by his father, a trumpeter who introduced him to swing and Dixieland jazz. His transition from classical clarinet to the saxophone during his high school years was fueled by the inspirations drawn from iconic figures like Eric Dolphy, John Coltrane, and Charlie Parker. Mars Williams’ educational pursuit included a stint at DePaul University, followed by courses at…
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Kool and the Gang drummer George Brown died November 16, 2023.

The world of music mourns the loss of a true legend, George Brown, known as George “Funky” Brown, the rhythmic force behind the iconic band Kool and the Gang. With a career spanning several decades, Brown’s influence on the music industry is immeasurable. Born in the heart of New Jersey, George Brown, nicknamed “Funky” for his infectious beats, grew up facing the challenges of a city that was far from affluent. In his own words, “None of us were silver spoon babies.” The environment of Jersey City, marked by diversity and hardships, became a crucible for the unique sound that…
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W.A.S.P drummer Steve Riley died on October 24, 2023

Steve Riley: A Drumming Legend Steve Riley (January 22, 1956 – October 24, 2023) was an American rock drummer, best known for his work with Keel, W.A.S.P., and L.A. Guns. Drummers often find themselves in the background, setting the rhythm and providing the backbone of a band’s sound. Yet, there are certain drummers who manage to break through the shadows and leave an indelible mark on the world of music. Steve Riley was one such drummer. With a career spanning several decades, Steve Riley wasnot only a prominent figure in the world of rock and heavy metal but has also…
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