Thank you… and good night.
Jeffrey Foscett
February 17, 1956 – December 11, 2023
Singer and guitarist Foscett, who joined the Beach Boys’ touring band in 1981 and also played a huge role in the development of Brian Wilson’s solo career, has died of cancer. He was 67. “Jeff was one of the most talented guys I ever knew,” Wilson said in a statement. “He was a great musical leader and guitarist and he could sing like an angel. We couldn’t have done it without him.”
Jim Ladd
January 17, 1948 – December 17, 2023
Influential US DJ, radio producer and writer Jim Ladd has died of a heart attack. The Californian is best known for the weekly syndicated programme, Innerview, which had guests such as Led Zeppelin, John Lennon and the Eagles, airing on more than 160 US stations for 12 years. He appeared on Roger Waters’s ‘87 solo album Radio KAOS as a DJ, and played a similar role in Cameron Crowe’s 1989 film Say Anything. Ladd was 75.
Russell Hunter
April 26, 1946 -December 19, 2023
Woking-born Russell Hunter was the drummer with The Pink Fairies, having played with most of the their numerous incarnations, and also played with The Deviants. He died in Eastbourne Hospital, having been admitted the day before with breathing difficulties. He was 77.
‘Mad’ Max Maxwell
April 29, 1958 – December 17, 2023
Raised in Coatbridge, Max Maxwell was the singer ‘mad’ and brave enough to take over from Alex Harvey in the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, decades after the latter’s death in 1982. To his eternal credit, Maxwell didn’t resort to copying his predecessor – who could? – during the five years he fronted the reunited band and appeared on their 2006 live album Zalvation. He was 65 and had been suffering from cancer.
Bob Johnson
March 18, 1944 – December 16, 2023
London-born Bob Johnson was a guitarist, singer and songwriter with folk-rock group Steeleye Span from 1972 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 2001. He quit the group to work on a concept album titled The King Of Elfland��
