Musicians Lost to Apparent Suicide

Monday, March 17, 2008

Musicians Lost to Apparent Suicide

Peter William Ham: Age 27 (27 April 1947-24 April 1975)

Peter was born in Swansea, Wales

On a personal and social level, Peter expressed concern over environmental issues and poverty

Peter formed a local rock group called The Panthers around 1963. This group would undergo several name and lineup changes until it became The Iveys in 1965. After several mis-starts as The Iveys, the group changed its name and sound, while enjoying several years of chart success and best known as the leader of the group Badfinger.

Badfinger signed to Apple in 1969 and their first single, a Paul McCartney song, Come and Get It, reached the top five.

They retained close links with the Beatles, with George Harrison co-producing one of their albums, Straight Up, and guitarist Joey Molland and bassist Tom Evans playing on John Lennon's Imagine.

Nilsson's version of Without You, written by Evans and fellow guitarist Pete Ham, went to number one in 1972, as did Mariah Carey's in 1990.

But despite more of their own hits Badfinger's career went sour over finances. They signed to Warner Bros, but their third album for the label was never released and in 1975 their contract was ended.

Peter hanged himself in the garage of his Surrey home, three days shy of his 28th birthday. He left behind a pregnant girlfriend (his daughter was born one month after his death) and his personal estate was nearing foreclosure.

His suicide note accused Badfinger's manager, Stan Polley, of stealing the band's royalties. It read: "Anne, I love you. Blair, I love you. I will not be allowed to love and trust everybody. This is better. Pete. P.S. Stan Polley is a soulless bastard. I will take him with me."

Most of Polley's artist-clients also accused him of corruption, and Polley much later pleaded Nolo contendere to unrelated embezzlement and money laundering charges.

Labels- Apple, Warner Bros. Records, Rykodisc
For more information on Peter William Ham

Thomas Evans: Age 36 (5 June 1947 — 19 November 1983)

Thomas Evans was born in Liverpool, England, of Welsh parentage, and began as a member of a Liverpool mod/soul group called Them Calderstones, which originated in 1963 by Phil Inskip, and included Alan Moss, Norman Bellis, and Doug Hatfield. Singing lead and playing rhythm guitar for the group, Evans was spotted by a Welsh band called The Iveys in 1967. He was asked by The Iveys to join their band and relocate to London, which Tom did within a few days of consideration. Tom was a musician who was most notable for his work with the power pop band, Badfinger.

Tom co-wrote the song "Without You" with bandmate Peter Ham, and the composition became a huge hit for the Apple Publishing division when it was covered by Harry Nilsson in 1971, Paul Anka and later Mariah Carey in 1993.

Badfinger dissolved following Peter Ham's death in 1975, after which Tom joined a group called The Dodgers with Badfinger bandmate Bob Jackson. Tom was eventually asked to leave the band, and he briefly retired from the music industry.

Tom resurfaced in 1977 to join Joey Molland for two Badfinger "comeback" albums. The second album, Say No More spawned the Evans single "Hold On," which reached #56 on Billboard in 1981. Tom and Joey went their separate ways after this second album was released, and the two put together rival "Badfinger" touring bands and played throughout several U.S. states.

In 1982, Bob Jackson rejoined Evans in the latter's version of Badfinger. Original Badfinger drummer Mike Gibbins was also enlisted in Evans' band for a time. But after signing an ill-advised management contract with a Milwaukee businessman, Tom and Bob claimed the group was stranded in the U.S. without tour dates or food money. When the duo returned to England before the contract expired, they were sued (Tom for $5 million U.S. dollars).

In 1983, Tom argued with Joey on the telephone regarding the publishing division of the lucrative "Without You" song. Following this phone call, Evans hanged himself from a tree in his backyard. He left behind no note. Family and friends have speculated he was overwhelmed by the lawsuit against him, by his conflict with Joey over "Without You" royalties, and a suspected (although unsubstantiated) tumor in his throat. Tom was survived by a wife and son.

The Badfinger story is uniquely tragic and among its greater ironies is the now morbid chorus of the song with which Pete Ham and Tom Evans are best associated: ‘I can't live, I can't live anymore’ (Without You).

Labels- Apple, Warner Bros. Records, Elektra Records

For more information on Thomas Evans

Michael Gibbins: Age 56 (March 12th 1949 - October 4th 2005) Not suicide but felt this where he should be with his friends.

Badfinger was one of the most respected songwriting bands to have come out of the UK, on the heels of the British invasion. Writing songs used by the likes of Mariah Carey, Nilsson and even having the top 10 hit: "Come and Get It" penned by arguably the greatest songwriter ever known: ex Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.

Badfinger always moved in the biggest musical circles. Performing live on stage with George Harrison at the Bangladesh concert, or sharing the stage with The Who, Badfinger were famous for bringing subtlety and soul to their music, while always retaining the hard edge that made them a firm favorite with musicians and fans alike. So respected were they that their very first record deal was to be the first band handpicked by the Beatles for their new "Apple" label.
However Badfinger will mostly be known for the events after the music. Badfinger often lived in poverty, living one day to the next, believing that there were royalties and finances waiting for them at the end of their grueling touring and recording work. There were none.

Due to forces seemingly out of their control, Badfinger was exploited every step of the way.

This exploitation took it's toll, and manifested itself in the very worst way. Badfinger's soulful songwriter, and Mikes best friend and fellow Welshman Pete Ham, took his life as he bent to the pressures of the worst face of the music scene. Leaving behind Petera, his daughter who he would never get to see, as his death preceded her birth.

And the story does not end there. Horrified by his soul mate's death, Tom Evans. Tom left behind wife Marianne and son Steven.

Badfinger was the highlight of his life, coming out of Wales, having success, touring America... but the tragedy of the loss of two of his bandmates to suicides weighed heavily on him. "A lot of things happened that were difficult for Michael to deal with, the loss of Pete Ham especially, his close friend from Wales

He lived in the United States for many years, but Dan Matovina, who wrote the biography Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger, said while Michael was happy-go-lucky, he also found it difficult to come to terms with the deaths.

Badfinger drummer Michael Gibbins died in his sleep at his home in Florida . His official website says: "To all of Mike's fans, it is with deepest regret to inform all that he passed away 4 October, in his sleep by natural causes. He will be terribly missed by all."

From his his son Owen: "I needed to post my thoughts the day after the passing of my dad. I am still in deep shock from him leaving me so early and so suddenly. He was and is my hero and he was a constant source of laughter, support and love. He was talented, a complete original and someone who is irreplaceable. Luckily, he does leave me with Ellie, my step mother and my two younger brothers who I love every bit as much as I loved my dad. And in my brothers I see a big part of him, both in their eyes and in their actions, so he will always live on both through his music and through them. I love and miss him too much."

An exclusive glimpse of life as a member of Badfinger.
Dozens of never before seen photo's taken during the span of Badfingers fame.

For more information on Badfinger Also known as The Iveys, The Wild Ones,The Black Velvets, The Panthers

Roy Buchanan: Age 47 (23 September 1939- August 1988).

Born in Ozark, Alabama, Roy Buchanan's musical career began in Pixley, California. His father was a sharecropper (not a Pentecostal preacher as Buchanan himself had claimed). Buchanan told how his first musical memories were of racially-mixed revival meetings his family would attend. "Gospel," he recalled, "that's how I first got into black music". Roy in fact drew upon many disparate influences while learning to play his instrument (although he later claimed his aptitude was derived from being "half-wolf"). Roy initially showed talent on the steel guitar before switching to the standard instrument in the early 50's.

In 1957, Roy made his recording debut, playing the solo on Dale Hawkins' "My Babe" for Chicago's Chess Records. Three years later, Buchanan headed north to Canada, where he took charge of the guitar role in Ronnie Hawkins' band (a group later to gain fame as The Band). The group's guitar player, Robbie Robertson, studied guitar under Buchanan, and took over the lead guitar spot when Buchanan left the group.

Despite many long periods of walking a 'street called straight', Roy's long-term alcohol and substance problems worsened with time. Police, who arrested Roy. On August 14, 1988. There are several stories as to why he was arrested, but police did arrest him. Several hours later Roy was found hanged in his cell found in his cell, apparently it was suicide. A finding disputed by some of Roy's friends and family, based upon injuries noted at his death.

A friend of his, Marc Fisher, claimed to have seen the body afterwards and stated there were bruises all over his head. Some suspect the cops killed him when trying to deal with him and staged a suicide.

Roy's stature as one of blues-rock's all-time great guitarist grew even greater after his tragic death, resulting in such posthumous collections as Sweet Dreams: The Anthology, Guitar on Fire: The Atlantic Sessions, Deluxe Edition, and 20th Century Masters.
For more information on Roy Buchanan
Brad Delp: Age 55 (June 12, 1951 - March 9 2007)

Brad was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, to Canadian immigrants.

He was soft-spoken, yet very quick and funny.

Brad was married and divorced twice, and had two children by his second wife. Brad had been a vegetarian for over thirty years and had contributed to a number of charitable causes.

He was best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Boston.

Brad died of an apparent suicide and the cause of death was carbon monoxide.

Labels- Epic Records, MCA Records, Artemis Records

For more information on Brad Delp

Michael Hutchence: Age 37 (22 January 1960, - November 20 1997).

Michael was born in Sydney Australia , son of Kelland ("Kell") and Patricia Hutchence, but was subsequently raised in Hong Kong. He began performing at the age of eight in a local toy store commercial. He attended King George V School and was in the house Crozier.

INXS had been rehearsing for their 20th anniversary tour. All those close to the singer report that he had been in high spirits in the days prior to his apparent suicide. He was also planning to marry his girlfriend, Paula Yates, the mother of his 18 month old daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily.

On the morning of November 22, 1997, Hutchence, aged 37, was found dead in his room at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Double Bay, Sydney (now the Sir Stamford). A belt found at the scene suggested that he had died by hanging. The body was discovered around noon by a hotel employee.

Labels -Atco Records/Atlantic Records Epic Records Mercury Records
For more information on Michael Hutchence

Richard Manuel: Age 42 ( 3 April 1943, -.7 March 1986).

Richard Manuel was born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. His father Ed was a Chrysler mechanic and his mother was a schoolteacher. He grew up singing in the church choir with his three brothers, and took piano lessons starting at the age of nine. He grew up in a music friendly environment playing piano and rehearsing with his friends at his home.

Richard was best known for his contributions and membership in The Band.

Richard Manuel took his own life, his death by hanging in a Florida motel room, stripped the world mercilessly of one of its finest, most soulful singers.

Label -Capitol Records owned by EMI
For more information on Richard Manuel

Phil Ochs: Age 35 (19 December 1940, - 7 April 1976)

Phil was a U.S. protest singer (or, as he preferred, a "topical singer"), songwriter, musician and recording artist who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and haunting voice. Phil performed at many political events, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City's The Town Hall and Carnegie Hall.

Phil was found hanged at his sister's home on 7 April 1976.

Labels- Elektra, A&M, Smithsonian Folkways, Rhino, Vanguard, Hannibal

For more information on Phil Ochs

Danny Rapp: Age 41 (10 May 1941-. 4 April 1983).

Bonnie was born in Philadelphia, the youngest of seven siblings. Although his birth certificate states his birth was May 10, he was born at home on May 9 and registered the following day.

Danny was an American musician and the front man for the group Danny & the Juniors. The group is best known for their 1957 hit "At the Hop". Danny & the Juniors was a group of high school friends who recorded in the late 50's and came up with some rock-and-roll mainstays, including a number one song. The group was formed in 1955 in Philadelphia and consisted of Danny Rapp on lead vocals, Frank Maffei, Joe Terranova and Dave White, all of whom were born in 1940 or 1941.

Danny died of an apparent suicide by gunshot in a hotel in Arizona and was survived by his wife and three children.

Lable- Swan Records a subsidiary of Cameo Parkway
For more information on Danny Rapp
Del Shannon: Age 55 (Charles, 30 December 1934 -8 February 1990)

Del was born Charles Weedon Westover in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Bert and Leone, Westover. He grew up in Coopersville, a small farming community near Grand Rapids, where he married his childhood sweetheart when he was seventeen. In 1954, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. When his army service ended, he returned to Battle Creek, Michigan, and worked in a furniture factory, as a truck driver, and selling carpets. He also found part-time work as a rhythm guitarist in singer Doug DeMott's group, working at the Hi-Lo Club

Del’s singing career spanned from 1958 — 1990. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and his pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

On February 8, 1990, Del committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a .22 caliber rifle. Del 's wife, Bonnie, found his body at 11:25 P.M. in their Santa Clarita, California home, 35 miles north of Los Angeles. The rifle was found next to his body in the den. Bonnie has expressed the opinion that his death might have been related to his recent use of the prescription drug Prozac.

Label -Island Records.
For more information on Del Shannon

Mel Street: Age 45 (21 October 1933 -12 October 1978).

Country music legend Mel Street was born at Garden Creek in Buchanan County,, Virginia to a coal mining family in 1933, although his family maintains that he was born in 1935. He began performing on western Virginia and West Virginia radio shows at the age of sixteen. From 1968 to 1972, Street hosted his own show on a Bluefield, West Virginia television station.

Mel recorded his first single "Borrowed Angel" in 1970 for a small regional record label. A larger label, Royal American Records, picked it up in 1972, and it became a top-10 Billboard hit. He recorded the biggest hit of his career, "Lovin' on the Back Streets" in 1973.

Mel took his own life on October 21, 1978, his forty-fifth birthday he shot himself in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He had been scheduled that day to record the final couple of tracks for his first album at Mercury, which was due to be released the next month. Upon his death, Mercury released the album, Mel Street, borrowing two tracks from his previous Polydor album to fill the void. A single from the album entered the country charts the very day he died. Its title-"Just Hangin' On"- turned out to be sadly prophetic.

Label- Royal American Records, Mercury
For more information on Mel Street

Paul Williams: Age 34 (1939 - 17 August 1973).

Paul was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama.

Paul is noted for being one of the founding members and original lead singer of the popular group The Temptations. Paul himself was a member of the group from its founding in 1960 until 1971, when personal problems and failing health forced him to retire.

Paul suffered from sickle-cell disease, which would keep him in poor health at times. In April of 1971, Williams was finally persuaded to go see a doctor. The doctor found a spot on Williams' liver, and demanded that the singer retire from The Temptations.

Paul apparently shot himself in 1973.. The Paul Williams family does not believe it, due to undisclosed reasons, that Mr. Williams killed himself.

Label- Motown
For more information on Paul Williams

Wendy O. Williams: Age 48 (1949 - April 7, 1998,)

Wendy was born in Webster, New York. She attended R.L. Thomas (public) High School in Webster at least partway through the tenth grade, but apparently left school before graduating.

Despite Wendy’s reputation as a fearsome performer, Williams in her personal life was deeply devoted to the welfare of animals, a passion that included a vegetarian diet, working as a wildlife rehabilitator and being a natural foods activist.

The Plasmatics formed in 1979 in New York City, USA, the Plasmatics were a theatrical hardcore band. Assembled by and masterminded by Rod Swenson.. After releasing two EPs on the independent Vice Squad label in 1979, the Plasmatics signed with Stiff Records in the USA and the UK, releasing New Hope for the Wretched in 1980. Wendy recorded solo albums following the Plasmatics’ mid-80s break-up.

Wendy died in 1998 in a wooded area near her home apparently of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Labels- Vice Squad, Stiff Records
For more information on Wendy O. Williams

Alan Wilson: Age 27 (4 July 1943- September 3, 1970).

Alan was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

He used to sleep outside, so he could be closer to nature and often carried plant samples around with him in his pockets. He loved to read books on botany and ecology. Alan was also a fanatical conservationist.

In 1969, Alan wrote and recorded a song, "Poor Moon", which expressed concern over potential pollution of the moon. Alan also wrote an essay called 'Grim Harvest', about the coastal redwood forests of California, which was printed as the liner notes to the Future Blues album by Canned Heat.

The band members of Canned Heat were rocked by the suicide of Alan, whose body was found in Hite's backyard on 3 September 1970.

Labels- Warner Bros Records, Liberty Records, Janus Records, Wand Records , World Pacific Records , Vequel Records , Takoma Records
For more information on Alan Wilson