Top 11 Rock Legends We Lost Between 2014 and 2024
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Over the past decade, the music world has experienced the loss of some of its most influential and groundbreaking rock legends. Each artist on this list left an indelible mark on the world of music, shaping the rock genre in irreparable ways. Their legacies live on through their timeless music and the generations of musicians they inspired. From pioneering guitarists to iconic singers, here are the stories of eleven rock legends we lost between 2014 and 2024.
Jack Bruce – 2014
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The music industry mourned the loss of Jack Bruce on October 25, 2014. Best known as the singer and bassist for the legendary band Cream, Bruce’s partnership with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker propelled the band to extraordinary success in the late 1960s. Despite Cream’s relatively short-lived existence of just two years, they managed to churn out four groundbreaking albums. Bruce’s musical prowess shone brightly as he penned and voiced timeless tracks like ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ and ‘White Room.’ His incredible skill and innovative sound left an undeniable impact on the rock music scene and laid the groundwork for many bands that followed.
Chris Squire – 2015
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Chris Squire’s passing in June 2015 was a significant blow to the progressive rock community. As the co-founder and bassist of the band Yes, Squire had a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound and direction. His battle with acute erythroid leukemia was short-lived, as he had just announced a hiatus from Yes a month before his death. Squire’s legacy is not just in his music but also in his influence on the evolution of progressive rock, making Yes a household name and inspiring countless musicians with his innovative bass playing.
Glenn Frey – 2016
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On January 18, 2016, Glenn Frey, a pivotal member of the Eagles, passed away at the age of 67. Frey’s contributions as a singer-songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist were instrumental in the Eagles’ success, yielding 16 Top 40 hits from 1972 to 1979. His battle with multiple health issues including rheumatoid arthritis and pneumonia marked the end of an era. The Eagles’ signature harmonies and timeless hits, many of which were co-written by Frey, left a lasting impression on rock and country music alike.
Malcolm Young – 2017
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The music world lost a giant when AC/DC’s co-founder and rhythm guitarist, Malcolm Young, passed away on November 18, 2017. Diagnosed with dementia years before his death, Young was remembered as the band’s “driving force” and “spiritual leader.” His innovative guitar riffs are the backbone of AC/DC’s biggest hits, making his contribution to rock music unforgettable. Young’s rhythm guitar work not only defined AC/DC’s sound but also influenced the genre of hard rock as a whole.
Danny Kirwan – 2018
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Danny Kirwan’s untimely death on June 8, 2018, marked the end of a troubled but brilliant career. Joining Fleetwood Mac in 1968 as a guitarist, Kirwan was pivotal during the band’s formative years. Despite being fired from the band in 1972 due to personal issues and substance abuse, his talent was undeniable. Unfortunately, Kirwan’s potential solo career never flourished, and he faced many personal challenges, including periods of homelessness.
Ginger Baker – 2019
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Ginger Baker passed away on October 6, 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative drummers in rock history. His work with Cream fused jazz and African polyrhythms with rock, creating a unique and powerful sound. After Cream disbanded, Baker’s passion for music led him to play with several other groups, showcasing his versatile drumming skills across various genres. His devotion to exploring new musical territories made him a pivotal figure in the evolution of rock drumming.
Eddie Van Halen – 2020
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The world lost a guitar legend on October 6, 2020, when Eddie Van Halen succumbed to cancer. Van Halen’s virtuoso guitar playing and showmanship redefined what it meant to be a rock guitarist. His eponymous band, Van Halen, achieved monumental success, selling more than 80 million records worldwide. Eddie’s innovative techniques, including his signature tapping method, left an indelible mark on the guitar community and influenced countless aspiring guitarists around the globe.
Charlie Watts – 2021
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Charlie Watts, the unshakeable drummer for the Rolling Stones, passed away in 2021 at the age of 80. As a member since 1963, Watts’ steady and skillful drumming was a cornerstone of the Rolling Stones’ sound for over five decades. His influence extended beyond the Stones; Watts also enjoyed success with his jazz projects, proving his versatility and deep musicality. His dedication to his craft made him one of rock’s most respected drummers.
Christine McVie – 2022
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Christine McVie’s death on November 30, 2022, was a heartbreaking loss for music fans worldwide. As Fleetwood Mac’s singer and keyboardist, McVie’s warm, soulful voice and songwriting were integral to the band’s success. Her collaboration with Stevie Nicks produced some of the most iconic and enduring hits in rock music. McVie’s talent and presence in the band were irreplaceable, and her passing left a void in the music world that could never be filled.
Jeff Beck – 2023
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Jeff Beck’s death on January 10, 2023, from bacterial meningitis was a profound loss to the guitar world. Known as the “guitarist’s guitarist,” Beck’s innovative playing and exploration of genres made him a legend. His tenure with The Yardbirds and later solo work showcased his extraordinary ability to merge technical prowess with emotional expression. Winning multiple Grammy Awards and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice are just some highlights of his storied career.
Dickey Betts – 2024
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The passing of Dickey Betts in 2024 marked the end of an era for the Allman Brothers Band fans. Known for his song “Ramblin’ Man,” Betts was a pivotal figure in defining the band’s sound and contributing to the Southern rock genre. Despite facing health issues and personal challenges, Betts’ musicianship and dedication to his craft remained unwavering until the end. His work, both with the Allman Brothers Band and as a solo artist, has left an enduring legacy in rock music.
