Thank you… and good night.
Ian Aimy
May 15, 1944 – February 15, 2024
Better known as Tich from the 1960s British Invasion band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick And Tich, with that band Ian Aimy topped the UK singles chart with The Legend Of Xanadu, one of two by the band that sold more than a million copies. The guitarist’s passing at the age of 79 leaves Beaky (ak John Dymond) as the group’s sole surviving original member, Dave Dee having died in 2009, Dozy in 2015, and Mick in 1964. Tich, who retired from the band in 2014, died following a short illness.
John Rowe
April 13, 1942 – February 22, 2024
The pianist with The Quarrymen, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison’s pre-Beatles group, has died aged 81. Sometimes known as Duff, John Rowe joined The Quarrymen in February 1958 and stayed with them for two years, and played on their McCartney/Harrison-penned single In Spite of All The Danger. He re-formed The Quarrymen (minus John, Paul, George and drummer Colin Hanton) in 1994 and they released their debut album Open For Engagements. He continued to perform with them until 2017. Cause of death is unknown.
Greg ‘Fritz’ Hinz
January 23, 1956-February 16, 2024
The drummer with Canadian hard rockers Helix has lost his battle with cancer. He was 68. Greg ‘Fritz’ Hinz joined the Ontario-based group in 1982 and remained in the line-up until 1996. He returned 13 years later for a second stint that lasted until his passing. “Fritz was like a brother to myself, Brent [Doerner, former guitarist] and many other people who worked for the band,” said frontman Brian Vollmer. “He wanted his privacy through [his illness]. He was a proud guy and tough as fuck.”
Paul Brett
June 20, 1947 – January 31, 2024
Rated among the finest 12-string acoustic guitarists in the world, Paul Brett carved out an impressive CV. Born in London, and latterly a resident of Pwllheli, Wales, he has played or recorded with The Strawbs, the Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, Roy Harper, Al Stewart and Lonnie Donegan, as well as making records of his own and pursuing a career as a music writer, having contributed to Melody Maker, NME and International Musician. Brett was 76 years old and died of a heart attack.
Toby Keith
July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024
Multi-talented country music singer, musician, songwriter, record producer and actor Toby Keith has lost a two-year battle with stomach cancer. He was 62. Over a career of more than 30 years, the Oklahoma native sold tens of millions of records. Sammy Hagar described Keith’s passing as “a huge loss to the industry and the USA”, adding candidly: “While I know a lot of people, I don’t have many friends. I just lost one. Love and prayers to Toby’s family.”
Keith Martin
April 2, 1934 – February 21, 2024
It’s a sad farewell to the R
