In Memoriam: 2023 Deaths

The rock world stated goodbye to a number of notable figures in 2023, together with David Crosby, Jeff Beck and Gary Rossington.

Music followers have been shocked by the January loss of life of guitar virtuoso Beck, who had accomplished a tour with Johnny Depp lower than two months earlier.

The loss of life of David Crosby throughout the identical month additionally got here as a shock to followers. The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash co-founder had been engaged on new solo music and making ready to tour once more and had posted to social media simply days earlier than.

Rossington, who was the final founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, had handled a number of well being points lately, together with emergency coronary heart surgical procedure.

A variety of artists left surprisingly quickly. Robbie Robertson of the Band died of an undisclosed “lengthy sickness,” although he’d just lately accomplished one other rating for a movie by his buddy and frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese. Sinead O’Connor died on the tragically younger age of 56, a couple of yr and a half after her son died of suicide. Shane MacGowan of the Pogues died at 65 following a battle with viral encephalitis.

Elvis Presley’s solely baby, Lisa Marie Presley, died immediately and was mourned by many fellow followers and friends, together with Axl Rose of Weapons N’ Roses and the Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan. Each appeared at her funeral, performing tracks from their respective catalog that had been a few of Presley’s favorites.

The namesake for the Marshall Tucker Band additionally died early within the yr. Despite the fact that he wasn’t a member of the group, he unknowingly helped launched their profession.

Earth, Wind & Fireplace drummer Fred White, who performed on many hits by the legendary R&B and pop group throughout his decade with them, additionally died. He carved out a protracted profession that included work on key albums by Linda Ronstadt and Little Feat.

Motown songwriter Barrett Robust (who wrote the traditional “Cash,” “I Heard It Via the Grapevine” and most of the Temptations’ hits), Tv’s Tom Verlaine, Derek and the Dominos drummer Jim Gordon and Tom Leadon of Mudcrutch are additionally among the many different losses. Learn on for extra details about the entertainers we have misplaced in 2023.