5 Rockstars from the ’80s You Might Not Know Have Passed Away
via Doctor Feelgood & Mz. Hyde / YouTube
There are several rock and roll icons from the 1980s whose music still has an impact on listeners all around the world. Sadly, some of these legendary people have passed away, leaving a legacy that continues to have an impact on the music business today. Here, we pay tribute to five 1980s rock stars whose influence on music was immense but whose departure may not have been noticed by many fans.
Kevin DuBrow
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Kevin DuBrow, the dynamic lead singer of Quiet Riot, played a pivotal role in the rise of glam metal during the 1980s. With his band, DuBrow brought an electrifying energy to the rock scene that hadn’t been seen before. It was the release of “Metal Health” in 1983 that catapulted Quiet Riot into stardom, making history by becoming the first heavy metal band to claim the top spot on the Billboard pop chart. This achievement was largely fueled by their hit cover of Slade’s “Cum on Feel the Noize,” a song that remains a rock anthem to this day.
DuBrow’s sudden death in November 2007 was a shock not only to his fans but also to the music world at large. He was found deceased in his Las Vegas home at the age of 52, with the cause of death being attributed to an accidental cocaine overdose. This unexpected news came shortly after a breakup with his long-time girlfriend, Lark Williams, who remembered him as incredibly vibrant and healthy up until his passing. Kevin DuBrow’s legacy as a pioneer of glam metal and a quintessential performer endures, echoing in the realms of rock ‘n’ roll history.
Greg Ham
Men at Work, helmed by the talented Greg Ham, captivated audiences worldwide in the early ’80s with their distinct Australian sound. Their debut album, “Business as Usual,” not only enjoyed immense success in Australia but also broke records in the United States, dominating the charts for several weeks. The band’s signature tune, “Down Under,” became a cultural anthem, celebrated both domestically and internationally for its catchy melody and quirky lyrics. Greg Ham’s remarkable flute and saxophone skills were key to the band’s unique sound, particularly evident in the iconic riff of “Down Under.”
However, Ham’s later years were marked by legal troubles that deeply affected him. A court ruling in 2010 found that the flute riff in “Down Under” had, in part, been copied from a children’s song, leading to a financial and emotional toll on Ham. He was found dead in his Melbourne home in April 2012, with the cause of death identified as a heart attack. This tragic end underscores the pressure and challenges artists can face, overshadowing their creative contributions. Nevertheless, Greg Ham’s musical genius remains an important part of Men at Work’s enduring legacy.
Mark Hollis
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Mark Hollis of Talk Talk began his career with new wave hits but ultimately ventured into more experimental territory, influencing many modern acts with his innovative approach to music. Albums like “Spirit of Eden” from 1988 showcase Hollis’s genius and refusal to be pinned down by commercial pressures, offering sounds that remain influential and fresh even decades later. His ability to blend genres and create distinct, introspective music set a new path for rock and alternative music, leaving a mark on the industry that cannot be overstated.
The news of Hollis’s death in February 2019 at the age of 64 left the music world mourning a lost icon. After years of shying away from the limelight, focusing instead on his art without compromise, Hollis’s passing was met with tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of music, paired with his desire to stay true to his creative vision, establishes Hollis as a formidable figure in the history of music, remembered for his contributions far beyond the 1980s.
Eddie Money
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Eddie Money’s path in the music industry was marked by a relatable charm and a string of hits that endeared him to rock fans. With classics like “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise,” Money’s work in the late ’70s laid the groundwork for his success into the ’80s and beyond. His ability to craft songs that resonated with the everyday life and dreams of his fans made him a beloved figure in rock music. Hits like “Take Me Home Tonight” and “Walk on Water” demonstrated his knack for catchy, heartfelt tunes that stood the test of time.
Money’s life, however, was not without its struggles. In the years leading up to his death in 2019 at the age of 70, he faced numerous health issues, which he bravely shared with the public through his family’s reality show on AXS TV, “Real Money.” His openness about his battles and his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity added a depth to his legacy, endearing him further to fans and peers alike. Eddie Money’s impactful career and resilience in life speak volumes, making his music all the more cherished in the hearts of those who admired him.
John Wetton
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John Wetton’s journey through the ranks of progressive rock royalty established him as a formidable force in the music industry. His tenure with King Crimson in the ’70s highlighted his adept skill as a bassist and vocalist, setting the stage for his later successes. With Asia, Wetton reached the pinnacle of commercial success, combining his prog-rock roots with more accessible pop elements to create hits that resonated with a wider audience. Songs like “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell” became anthems of the ’80s, cementing Wetton’s legacy as a rock icon.
Wetton’s passing in January 2017 from colon cancer was a significant loss to the music community and fans around the globe. His work with Asia and other bands showcased his exceptional talents and his contribution to the evolution of progressive rock. While he did reunite with Asia for several tours and albums in the years before his death, Wetton’s influence extends far beyond these endeavors, leaving a lasting impression on the genre and those who had the pleasure of experiencing his music firsthand.
