1986

















Philip Paris (Phil) Lynott, 8/20/49 - 1/4/86.  Phil was born in England but grew up living with his grandmother in Dublin.  Best known as the vocalist and bass player for Thin Lizzy, he also produced two solo albums.  Phil was addicted to drugs and alcohol which eventually led to his collapse and death.  He was 36.

There are only a handful of Irish rock bands so its no surprise that Bono and Phil met and became friends.  I remember hearing Bono explain that he wrote this song in reference to Phil's heroin addiction.  Its a sad reminder that drugs have a powerful hold on some.  Its a battleground and sometimes the drugs win.


Richard Manuel, 4/3/43 – 3/4/86. Born in Ontario, Canada Richard was a member of The band. He played piano but was best known as their drummer. Richard committed suicide by hanging. He was 42.

Another sad story of a life lost to drugs, alcohol and depression. So many artists use drugs and become despondent when their creativity dries up. That seems to be the case with Richard. On his last night he of life he performed with the band was in a "good mood". Although he did give a hint by thanking Garth Hudson (bass player) for "twenty-five years of incredible music". He then went back to the hotel and hung out with Levon Helm talking about normal things and afterward went back to his own room and hung himself. I wonder if anyone had a clue? A great loss for one of the greatest bands ever.

The Band - Stage Fright
via FoxyTunes


Cliff Burton, (Clifford Lee Burton), 2/10/62 - 9/27/86. Cliff was born in Castro Valley, California. He was a bass guitarist best known for his work with Metallica from 1982 until 1986. Cliff is thought by some to be the best bassist Metallica ever had and was known for his unique style. He died while on tour when the bus hit black ice, he was killed in the accident. Cliff was 24.

Cliff was one of the many Californian rockers who headed for Sunset Strip on the 80's to be part of the hair metal scene. But unlike many, his talent stood out as exceptional. When James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, (Metallica) first heard him playing they assumed it was someone shredding on a guitar and upon learning that it was Cliff on bass, the recruited him into the band. Watch this video and you will see why they thought it was a guitar! Very tragic ending to such a young and talented musician.

Metalica - One
via FoxyTunes

6 comments:

Unknown said...

i can't believe that cliff had to die that way, he was definitely my favorite bassist ever (i don't even play bass) and he will be missed forever... rest in peace cliff

ym cox said...

WE STILL LOVE YOU

ym cox said...

WE STILL LOVE YOU

ym cox said...

WE STILL LOVE YOU

Cinnamon Girl said...

Cliff was an amazing bassist.

Tonal Memories said...

I left a similar post on the 1980 post for Bon Scot. Cliff Burton was awesome but did not play on One, his replacement did. Post a song from Kill Em All or Ride the Lightning.