Since the old thread appears to be gone, I'm going to have to create a new one. Two names I want to mention:
Earlier this year Raymond 'Boz' Burrell, best known as bassist and vocalist for King Crimson from 1971 to 1972, and as a founding member of Bad Company, died at the age of 60 from an undisclosed illness, at his home in Spain. Boz shunned his time in Crimson in later life, and the lineup he played in was frequently derided by fans. In recent years, thanks to archival releases by KC guitarist Robert Fripp's DGM label, the '71-'72 lineup has been thoroughly rehabilitated as an excellent live outfit. Whether Burrell derived any pleasure therefrom is unknown, but either way 60 is far too young to die.
The other name I want to mention is certainly a bit more earth-shaking, and that is the passing of James Brown at the age of 73 on Monday after being admitted to a hospital after suffering from pneumonia. It says something about longevity in Western nations now that I find even 73 a bit young to die, as Brown otherwise seemed to be going strong. Perhaps it is the news of Chuck Berry's recent 80-th brithday celebration extravganza that leaves me shocked here, but in any case, Brown is one of the most important music makers in the history of music and was one of the few men capable of being ground-breaking and original while also being a commercial powerhouse.
'Boz' and James, RIP.
Adrian