Has a rock star passed away recently? It is always sad when we lose influential musicians. Rockscapes.net commemorates some of the rock and roll musicians who have recently passed away, leaving behind legacies of music and memories. We aim to honor their contributions to the music landscape and offer a place for fans to remember them.
1. Fred Bekky: Frontman of “The Pebbles”
Fred Bekky, the frontman of “The Pebbles” (also known as “The Belgian Beatles”), died on February 21 due to pneumonia complications at age 81. Bekky, whose real name was Fred Beekmans, led “The Pebbles” to international success with their hit “Seven Horses in the Sky.” According to Belganewsagency.eu, Bekky also battled Alzheimer’s disease, heart, and kidney issues.
Formed in 1965, the band achieved international recognition, even performing as a supporting act for Jimi Hendrix at the 1967 Olympics in Paris. In 1968, they released their first hit, “Get Around.”
2. Rick Buckler: Drummer for The Jam
Rick Buckler, the drummer for the popular group The Jam, passed away on February 17 at the age of 69. A statement from his publicist mentioned he died peacefully in Woking after a short illness, surrounded by family. Buckler was remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted friend who would be greatly missed.
3. Beej Chaney: Punk Rock Hero of Minnesota
Beej Chaney, a punk rock icon in Minnesota and member of The Suburbs, died on January 5 at the age of 68. Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Chaney was found after going for a swim in the Pacific Ocean, a part of his daily routine. His death was ruled as accidental. Chaney helped establish The Suburbs in 1977 and played with the band until 2014.
4. Karl Cochran: Guitarist for Ace Frehley and The Eric Singer Project
Karl Cochran, a talented guitarist and songwriter who worked with KISS star Ace Frehley and The Eric Singer Project, died on February 19 at the age of 61. MyCentralJersey.com reports that Cochran was killed when a car driven by his 90-year-old mother backed into a tree in New Jersey. Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick described Cochran as a fantastic musician and gentle giant who was taken too soon.
5. Jackie Farry: MTV Host and Tour Manager
Jackie Farry, an MTV host who worked with Nirvana and other legendary rock acts, died on January 12 at the age of 58. Variety reported that she died from a lung disease after battling cancer for over 20 years. Farry worked closely with Nirvana, served as the first nanny for Frances Bean Cobain, and later became a tour manager for Elliott Smith, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and The Lemonheads.
6. Peter Forrest: Frontman of 24-7 Spyz
Peter Forrest, known as P. Fluid, the former frontman for the rock band 24-7 Spyz, was found beaten to death on January 13 in New York City. Loudwire.com reports he was 64. Forrest was found in the back of his ambulette with a broken front window after he failed to make pickups and stopped answering his phone. 24-7 Spyz experienced their greatest success in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
7. Wayne “Doobie” Fabra: Founding Member of Graveyard Rodeo
Wayne “Doobie” Fabra, a founding member and drummer for the metal band Graveyard Rodeo, died on January 15 at the age of 58. Blabbermouth.com reports that Graveyard Rodeo was a pioneering band in the New Orleans underground scene, blending metal, hardcore, and doom, which later contributed to the “sludge” sound that New Orleans is known for.
8. Marianne Faithfull: Singer and Actress
Marianne Faithfull, a singer and actress best known for her version of the Rolling Stones’ “As Tears Go By,” died on January 30 at the age of 78. The BBC and The Guardian reported that she passed away peacefully in London, surrounded by her loving family. Faithfull was known for her collaborations with artists like Metallica and for dating Mick Jagger in the 1960s.
9. Snowy Fleet: Drummer for The Easybeats
Snowy Fleet, the drummer for The Easybeats, passed away on February 17 at the age of 79. Noise11.com reports that no cause of death was reported. Fleet was a co-founder of the band, which formed in Sydney in 1964. In 1966, the band relocated to London and recorded their biggest hit, “Friday on My Mind.”
10. Barry Goldberg: Blues and Rock Keyboardist
Barry Goldberg, a blues and rock keyboardist who performed with Bob Dylan at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, died on January 22 at the age of 83. Rolling Stone reports that he died after battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PEOPLE Magazine notes that Goldberg had performing, writing, and producing credits across his career, working with artists such as Rod Stewart, Leonard Cohen, The Ramones, Stephen Stills, and Steve Miller.
11. Bruce Howe: Bassist for Fraternity
Bruce Howe, bassist for the 1970s band Fraternity, died on January 29 at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer. Metro.co.uk reports Howe was in Fraternity with Jimmy Barnes and AC/DC legend Bon Scott. Barnes wrote on social media that Howe helped guide him through the early years of his career.
12. Garth Hudson: The Band’s Last Living Member
Garth Hudson, the last living member of The Band, died on January 21 at the age of 87. The Toronto Star reports that Hudson died in his sleep in a nursing home in Woodstock, New York. Known for playing various instruments, including the accordion, keyboard, and saxophone. The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
13. Brian James: Punk Rock Guitarist
Brian James, a punk rocker and founding member of The Damned and Lords of the New Church, died on March 6 at the age of 70. Parade Magazine reports that James began his career in 1974 and was active until this year. His best success in the United States came as a member of the Lords of the New Church with the 1982 hit “Open Your Eyes.”
14. Dave Jerden: Record Producer, Audio Engineer, and Mixer
Dave Jerden, a record producer, audio engineer, and mixer who worked with bands like The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Alice in Chains, died on February 5 at the age of 75. Jerden’s work significantly shaped the sound of 1990s rock music.
15. David Johansen: Singer of the New York Dolls
David Johansen, singer of the New York Dolls, died on February 28 at the age of 75 after battling stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor. The Associated Press reported that Johansen passed away at home. Billboard.com noted that Johansen was a beloved figure in New York and also had several acting credits.
16. Owen Leahy: Bassist for This Is Pointless
Owen Leahy, bassist for This Is Pointless, died suddenly on January 6 at the age of 28. PopCulture.com described Leahy as an “undeniable talent.” Leahy was also a mentor in the community of recovery, dedicated to helping those looking to improve their lives.
17. Fredrik Lindgren: Guitarist for Unleashed
Fredrik Lindgren, guitarist for Unleashed, died on January 5 at the age of 53. Consequence reports that Lindgren was a founding member of Unleashed in 1989 and played on the group’s first four albums.
18. Sal Maida: Bassist
Sal Maida, a bassist who played with Roxy Music, Sparks, and Milk ‘N’ Cookies, died on February 1 at the age of 76. Vice highlighted him as “one of the coolest 70s rock stars you’ve never heard of.” The Hollywood Reporter noted that Maida also played with Ronnie Spector and The Runaways.
19. Joey Molland: Guitarist of Badfinger
Joey Molland, the last surviving member of the original lineup of Badfinger, died on March 1 at the age of 77 after battling multiple health issues. Parade Magazine reports that Molland’s girlfriend started a GoFundMe for him last November. Molland joined Badfinger in 1969 and performed with the band for several decades.
20. Jamie Muir: Drummer for King Crimson
Jamie Muir, a drummer for King Crimson, died on February 17 at the age of 82. Muir joined the band in 1982 and left to join a monastery a year later.
21. Teddy Osei: Singer and Founding Member of Osibisa
Teddy Osei, singer and founding member of Osibisa, died on January 14 at the age of 88. LouderSound.com reports that Osei was instrumental in introducing white music audiences to Africa’s Afro-beat sound.
22. Wayne Osmond: Member of The Osmond Brothers
Wayne Osmond, a member of The Osmond Brothers, died on January 1 at the age of 73. The Los Angeles Times noted that Osmond had surgery for a brain tumor in 1997 and had another stroke in 2012 that left him unable to play guitar.
23. Coburn Pharr: Frontman for Annihilator
Coburn Pharr, frontman for Annihilator, died on February 25 at the age of 62. Blabbermouth.net reports that Pharr sang on Annihilator’s 1990 release “Never, Neverland.”
24. Mike Ratledge: Founding Member of Soft Machine
Mike Ratledge, founding member of Soft Machine, died on February 5 at the age of 81 after a short illness. Yahoo reported that Ratledge was with Soft Machine when it started in 1966 and was the last founding member to leave the band in 1976.
25. Aaron Rossi: Drummer for Ministry and Prong
Aaron Rossi, a drummer known for his work with Ministry and Prong, died on January 27 at the age of 44 after suffering a heart attack. Louder.com noted that Rossi was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame as a member of Prong in 2020.
26. Jeffrey Runnings: Frontman for For Against
Jeffrey Runnings, frontman for For Against, died on March 3 at the age of 61 after a long battle with cancer. Post-punk.com called Runnings a beacon of bright light in the US post-punk scene.
27. Bob Rupe: Bassist for Cracker
Bob Rupe, bassist for Cracker, died on March 3 at the age of 68. Cracker shared the news on Instagram. Rupe was also known for playing with The Silos.
28. John Sykes: Guitarist for Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake
John Sykes, a guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, died on January 20 at the age of 65 after battling cancer. Sykes’ Facebook page announced the news.
29. Ragne Wahlquist: Heavy Metal Legend
Ragne Wahlquist, a heavy metal legend, died on January 7 at the age of 69. Blabbermouth.com called Wahlquist the “Godfather of Swedish heavy metal.”
30. Jesse Colin Young: Singer and Songwriter
Jesse Colin Young, a rock singer and songwriter known for leading The Youngbloods, died on March 16 at the age of 83. Ultimate Classic Rock reports that Young performed for more than five decades.
Common Questions About Rock Stars Deaths
Why are so many rock stars dying?
The increasing number of rock star deaths is attributed to factors such as the age of many iconic musicians who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, lifestyles that often include substance abuse, and the physical demands of touring and performing. There are some medical factors and random external factors.
What rock star died recently in January 2025?
In January 2025, several notable rock stars passed away, including Teddy Osei, the singer and founding member of Osibisa, and Wayne Osmond, a member of The Osmond Brothers.
What rock star died recently in February 2025?
February 2025 saw the deaths of several rock musicians, including Rick Buckler, the drummer for The Jam, and David Johansen, the singer of the New York Dolls.
What rock star died recently in March 2025?
In March 2025, the rock community mourned the loss of Brian James, a punk rocker and founding member of The Damned and Lords of the New Church, and Joey Molland, the guitarist of Badfinger.
How does the music community honor deceased rock stars?
The music community honors deceased rock stars through tribute concerts, memorial events, documentaries, and the preservation of their music and legacy. Fans and fellow musicians often share stories and memories on social media, keeping their spirits alive.
Where can I find reliable information about rock star deaths?
Reliable information about rock star deaths can be found on reputable news sources, music publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard, and official statements from bands, family members, or publicists.
How can I stay updated on news about musicians and rock stars?
Stay updated on news about musicians and rock stars by following reputable news sources, music publications, official band and artist websites, and social media accounts.
What impact do rock star deaths have on the music industry?
Rock star deaths can significantly impact the music industry by prompting increased sales and streaming of their music, renewed interest in their careers, and a reflection on their contributions to music history.
How can I cope with the loss of a favorite musician?
Coping with the loss of a favorite musician can involve listening to their music, sharing memories with other fans, attending tribute events, and engaging in activities that celebrate their life and legacy.
What are some memorial sites or museums dedicated to rock stars?
Memorial sites and museums dedicated to rock stars include Graceland for Elvis Presley, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and various local museums and historical markers at significant locations in their careers.
Remembering these influential figures reminds us of their lasting contributions to music and culture. Visit Rockscapes.net for more on rock music and related topics. At Rockscapes.net, we understand the enduring impact these artists have on our lives. Discover more about music history, rock legends, and cultural icons. Explore our collections and stories to celebrate the memories of those who shaped the world of rock and roll.
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