Stairway To Heaven (or Road To Hell) - Deaths of the Rich & Famous

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Del Palmer.

Long time Kate Bush Bassist and studio engineer Del Palmer died on the 5th of January aged 71.

As well as contributing to her albums and being a member of her live band, in the late 70’s. He appeared in a number of her videos.

He released three solo albums between 2007 and 2017.

As well as Bass duties, which he shared with John Giblin, he played keyboards and engineered a large portion of Kate Bush’s recorded work.

Tony Clarkin, guitarist and co-founder of beloved British rock veterans Magnum, has died aged 77.

The news was confirmed in a statement produced by Clarkin's family and shared on Magnum's official social media channels, which reads as follows:

"On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne is sharing the news of the passing of Tony Clarkin.

Following a short illness, he died peacefully surrounded by his girls on Sunday 7th January 2024.

'I know that Tony has touched so many people through his music in so many different ways. I don’t really have words to express what he meant to me right now as the grief is too fresh.

As many of you know Tony had a great affinity with animals. It is the family’s intention to set up a charitable trust in his name to aid this cause, further details to follow. It was a privilege to call him my Dad.'"



www.loudersound.com/news/magnum-guitarist-tony-clarkin-has-died-aged-77

They cancelled some shows recently, but it was said his condition wasn't 'life limiting':

www.loudersound.com/news/magnum-cancel-shows-clarkin

Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale, the station's first female presenter, who went on to become its longest-serving host, has died at the age of 83.

Nightingale joined the station in 1970 and remained the only woman on the line-up for 12 years. She was known for her passion for a wide range of music, championing everything from prog rock and punk to acid house and grime. She remained on air until late last year with Annie Nightingale Presents. Nightingale was also known for co-hosting BBC Two music show The Old Grey Whistle Test.

A statement attributed to her family on Friday said: "Annie Nightingale MBE passed away yesterday at her home in London after a short illness. Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally. Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard. Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test, or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock 'n' roll. A celebration of her life will take place in the Spring at a Memorial Service."



www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67955757

Annie Nightingale co-hosted the broadcast of The Who's final concert of their Farewell North America Tour in Dec. 1982 in Toronto. I taped the entire broadcast as well as the pre-concert introduction and post-concert wrap-up on audio cassettes on the night it took place. I recall the impeccable job Annie and her co-host (I don't recall his name offhand) did that night from having listened to the tapes since then. Sorry to hear she has passed away.

Ted

DJ Steve Wright, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, has died at the age of 69.



His family confirmed his death "with deep sorrow and profound regret" in a statement on Tuesday.

Wright joined the BBC in the 1970s and went on to host the afternoon shows on Radio 1 and Radio 2.

He also fronted television programmes for the BBC, including Top of the Pops.

Wright was last on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded special Valentine's Day edition of his Love Songs programme.

Wright's family said: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

"In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities.

"As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time."

Paying tribute to Wright after his death was announced, an emotional Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox said: "It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news.

"Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68287707

I had you falsely pegged as in the over 50 geriatric crowd.  Given that Steve Wright died at age 69, did Steve Wright begin his DJ career as a teenager?

I seem to remember Noel Edmunds doing the breakfast show at some point. But I mostly listened to Terry Wogan for the hilarious Janet & John stories.

Yeah, it's a big one this year. 😳

Jim Beard, a keyboardist who played with Steely Dan, has died at the age of 63. According to a statement, the composer, producer and arranger died on March 2 "from complications due to a sudden illness."

The musician has been a touring performer with Steely Dan since 2008. Most recently, he was on tour with the band as they supported the Eagles on their Long Goodbye tour. His last show with them was on Jan. 20 in Phoenix.

Beard was born on Aug. 26, 1960, in Philadelphia. By his teens, he was studying arranging with jazz composer and trombonist Don Sebesky and the piano with British keyboardist George Shearing. In college, he played with jazz musicians Slide Hampton and Red Rodney.

ultimateclassicrock.com/jim-beard-steely-dan-keyboardist-dies

Rock musician Steve Harley has died at the age of 73.

The English singer was best known for being the frontman of the rock group Cockney Rebel - and the hit Come Up And See Me (Make Me Smile)
He died at his Suffolk home on Sunday morning after a short battle with cancer - his tour was suspended last month to undergo treatment.

Above two posts moved to correct place. The 'Queen News' board is for official Queen news & announcements. 🙂