Former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr dies at 56 (1957-2013)

Today is a sad day in the heavy metal world. Legendary heavy metal drummer Clive Burr died in his sleep yesterday at age 56. He has played and performed in a number of bands, but is most well known for his work in Iron Maiden. He recorded drums for Maiden's first three albums since he joined them in 1979. His style and work with the band has helped Iron Maiden become heavy metal icons and his drumming style is unmatched and timeless.

Clive has been battling with multiple sclerosis for a number of years and as a result his health has never been the same since. You can read more about this here: http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=187377

RIP Clive Burr (1957-2013)

Burr in 2008

RIP Randy Rhoads, 30 years later

Thirty years ago, legendary Quiet Riot and Ozzy guitarist Randy Rhoads died while in a plane crash in Leesburg, Florida. His death really shook the rock and metal communities and was tragically taken too soon as a 25-year old young man. Today, people young and old still remember what he brought to the world of heavy metal. His style was something incredible and only Randy could pull off such a feat. His most memorable moment was with Ozzy Osbourne when they released their opus Blizzard of Ozz in 1980. That album featured metal classics such as "I Don't Know", "Crazy Train", "Suicide Solution", and of course "Mr. Crowley". His guitar style was unlike anything that was heard at that time and many modern metal guitarists consider him a major influence in their music. With his classically trained and shred guitar combination, it was no wonder that so many marveled at his abilities. To this day he is still missed as he was a rare talent that died way too soon. RIP Randy. Your music still lives on!

RIP Nicole Bogner

This morning via Facebook, I found out that Visions of Atlantis's first singer, Nicole Bogner, passed away at the young age of 27.  The official band statement said that she had been "fighting a severe disease over a long period of time."

Since Nicole's departure from VoA in 2005, I wondered where her path had taken her.  She was the vox that initially got me into the band, and I hoped she would continue her career in metal somehow, somewhere.  I thought her voice was gorgeous and hoped to hear her sing again.  But for years, nothing was heard of her at all.  Until today.

My thoughts go out to Nicole's loved ones and the Visions of Atlantis family.  Nicole was an enormous talent and she will be greatly missed.

Ronnie James Dio dies at age 67 (1942-2010) R.I.P.

This is a sad day to hear for me and for millions of metalheads and fans around the world. Ronnie James Dio died yesterday on May 16, 2010 as a result of stomach cancer that he was diagnosed with last year.

Ronnie played perhaps the biggest part of influence for heavy metal singers for many years to come, including my favorite current vocalist Marco Hietala of Tarot and Nightwish. He was best known for his work in his band Dio as well as in Elf, Black Sabbath, Hear 'n Aid, Heaven And Hell, Munetaka Higuchi, The Vegas Kings, Ronnie & The Rumblers, Ronnie and The Red Caps, The Elves, Ronnie Dio & The Prophets, and last but not least Rainbow, who I did a post of a week ago.

Here was what Dio's wife Wendy had to say about his death on his official website:

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

R.I.P. Ronnie! You will always be one of my favorite vocalists. Your fans will never forget your amazing voice and the passion that you had for music! Even though you are not with us on earth right now, because of you metal will live on forever! \m/ And so will you.

Ronnie James Dio
1942-2010

Type O Negative frontman Peter Steele dies at age 48

This news is a little old I know, but I just found out about this.

I was never that big of a Type O Negative fan myself, but the news of his death really shocked me! Whether you like his music or not, his input in the world of heavy metal/goth metal music is beyond words. His music influenced many bands for years to come.

He died on April 14, 2010 due to a heart failure. It seems that I got the news pretty late as I saw the news for it on MFF forum here. So anyways, RIP Pete. Your fans will never forget you!

Peter Steele (Petrus T. Ratajczyk)
(January 4, 1962 – April 14, 2010)