Ongoing History of New Music: In Memoriam 2024

Podcast Information

• Title: Ongoing History of New Music
• Host: Alan Cross (Curiouscast)
• Episode: In Memoriam 2024
• Release Date: January 15, 2025
• Description: In this poignant episode, Alan Cross pays tribute to the musicians and music industry figures who passed away in 2024, reflecting on their contributions and the void their absence leaves in the music world.

Introduction

In the "In Memoriam 2024" episode, Alan Cross sets a somber tone, acknowledging the inevitable loss of musical legends who have profoundly impacted fans worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of remembering these artists not only for their contributions but also for the personal connections listeners felt through their music.

"When they die, a little bit of us might go with them."
— Alan Cross [00:37]

Notable Passings

1. Del Palmer

Del Palmer, renowned for his collaboration with Kate Bush, passed away at 71 on January 5, 2024. Palmer's multifaceted role as a bass player, programmer, and studio engineer was pivotal in shaping Bush's sound. His contributions extended beyond performance, as he worked behind the scenes on engineering several of her acclaimed albums.

"He was one of the adults in the room, guiding [Kate Bush] through gigs at pubs."
— Alan Cross [03:18]

2. Wayne Kramer

Wayne Kramer, co-founder and lead guitarist of Detroit's influential pre-punk band MC5, died on February 2, 2024, from pancreatic cancer. Despite MC5's limited commercial success, their revolutionary sound and political activism left an indelible mark on bands like The Clash and Rage Against the Machine.

"This was the song that made Wayne and the MC5 immortal."
— Alan Cross [05:53]

3. Mojo Nixon

Mojo Nixon, celebrated for his irreverent take on redneck culture and his collaboration with Skid Roper, succumbed to a cardiac event on February 7, 2024, at age 66. Nixon's vibrant career spanned music and radio, leaving a lasting legacy with hits like "Elvis is Everywhere."

"Mojo went out doing what he loved best, playing live."
— Alan Cross [07:25]

4. Carl Wallinger

Carl Wallinger, the Welsh songwriter behind World Party, passed away from a stroke on March 10, 2024, at 66. Wallinger's songwriting prowess, exemplified in tracks like "Ship of Fools," blended diverse influences from The Beatles to Prince, earning him acclaim in the alt-rock sphere.

"Ship of Fools... one of the best alt rock songs."
— Alan Cross [08:26]

5. Eric Carmen and the Raspberries

Eric Carmen, frontman of the power pop pioneers the Raspberries, died on March 11, 2024. The Raspberries were instrumental in defining the power pop genre with their melodic hooks and energetic performances, most notably with the hit "Go All the Way."

"Their mating of riffy guitars and pop melodies was groundbreaking."
— Alan Cross [12:00]

6. Rusty Wilson

Rusty Wilson, co-founder and bassist of Canada's Junk House, died of meningitis on March 12, 2024, at age 62. Wilson's tenure with Junk House was marked by energetic performances and a significant influence on the Canadian rock scene.

"He was recruited by Tom Wilson to be Junk House's bass player."
— Alan Cross [13:00]

7. Steve Harley

Steve Harley, the charismatic frontman of Cockney Rebel, passed away on March 17, 2024, at 73 due to complications from polio contracted in childhood. Harley's theatrical performances and distinctive voice left a lasting impression on British rock music.

"Steve's journey was marked by resilience and unforgettable music."
— Alan Cross [14:30]

8. Michael Ward

Michael Ward, guitarist for Wallflowers and School of Fish, died on April 1, 2024, from diabetes complications. Ward's guitar work on hits like "Three Strange Days" showcased his knack for crafting memorable hooks.

"He had a great guitar hook in 'Three Strange Days'."
— Alan Cross [16:00]

9. Duane Eddy

Duane Eddy, a pioneering guitarist known for his twangy sound that influenced surf rock, died of cancer on April 30, 2024, at 86. Eddy's legacy includes being the last surviving musician with a top 10 hit in the inaugural Billboard Hot 100.

"He was a big influence on George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen."
— Alan Cross [17:00]

10. Steve Albini

Steve Albini, a revered recording engineer and producer known for his raw, authentic sound, passed away from a heart attack on May 7, 2024, at 61. Albini's work with bands like Nirvana and Pixies cemented his status in the indie music scene.

"Steve's philosophy was to capture the essence of an artist's sound."
— Alan Cross [19:00]

11. Arthur Gaps Hendrickson

Arthur Gaps Hendrickson, a founding member and vocalist of The Selector, died on June 11, 2024, at 73. Hendrickson played a crucial role in popularizing Jamaican music in Coventry, England, blending it seamlessly with the local scene.

"He was one of the vocalists alongside frontwoman Pauline Black."
— Alan Cross [20:30]

12. Shifty Shellshock

Shifty Shellshock, frontman of Crazy Town, died from a fentanyl, cocaine, and meth overdose on June 24, 2024, at 49. Shellshock's struggles with addiction were well-documented, impacting both his personal life and professional career.

"Crazy Town's massive hit 'Pretty Little Diddy' was a defining one-hit wonder of the 2000s."
— Alan Cross [22:00]

13. Jack Russell

Jack Russell, lead singer of Great White, succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia on August 7, 2024, at 73. Russell's tenure with Great White was marked by both their musical success and the tragic Station nightclub fire in 2003.

"He battled painkiller addiction and alcoholism throughout his life."
— Alan Cross [24:00]

14. Greg Kinn

Greg Kinn, a prolific power pop musician and radio DJ, died of Alzheimer's on August 13, 2024, at 75. Kinn's diverse career included nearly 20 albums, six novels, and a passion for breeding rare praying mantises.

"His golden era was in the early 1980s with hits that melded power pop and new wave."
— Alan Cross [25:30]

15. Final Rockers

Additional notable losses in 2024 include:

• Nell Smith: A young collaborator with The Flaming Lips, tragically died in a car crash at 17 on October 5.

• Johnny Neal: Drummer for the Allman Brothers Band, passed away from heart failure at 70 on October 6.

• Paul Dano: Original lead singer of Iron Maiden, died at 66 due to a tear in the sac around his heart on October 21.

• Phil Lesh: Founding member of the Grateful Dead, died at 84 after a series of health challenges on October 25.

• Quincy Jones: Legendary jazz musician and producer, known for producing Michael Jackson's albums, died of pancreatic cancer at 91 on November 3.

• Andy Leake: Drummer for Dexie's Midnight Runners, died from Parkinson's complications on November 3.

• Vic Flick: Guitarist for the iconic James Bond theme, passed away from Alzheimer's on November 14.

• Tal Shammy: Producer for early records by The Kinks and The Who, died of a stroke at 87 on November 13.

• Will Cullen Hart: Indie band Olivia Tremor Control member, died of a heart attack at 53 on November 29.

• Slim Dunlap: Guitarist with The Replacements, passed away from a stroke at 73 on December 18.

• Casey Chaos: Frontman of the goth band Christian Death, died of unknown causes at 41 on December 21.

• Bob Breyer: Drummer for My Chemical Romance, died on November 26, 2024, from undisclosed causes.

"There are so many legendary performers... it's just a matter of time before we'll have to live in a world without them."
— Alan Cross [24:30]

Reflections and Final Thoughts

Alan Cross reflects on the transient nature of life and the enduring legacy of music. He underscores the importance of honoring these artists, whose works continue to inspire and resonate despite their absence. The episode serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the profound impact these musicians had on the cultural and emotional landscapes of their audiences.

"At least their music will live on."
— Alan Cross [25:00]

He also touches on the recurring themes of addiction and health struggles among musicians, offering cautionary tales amidst the celebrations of their careers.

Conclusion

The "In Memoriam 2024" episode is a heartfelt homage to the myriad artists who shaped the musical tapestry over the past year. Through detailed narratives and personal insights, Alan Cross ensures that their contributions are remembered and celebrated, providing listeners with a meaningful reflection on loss and legacy.

Notable Quotes

1. "When they die, a little bit of us might go with them."
   — Alan Cross [00:37]

2. "He was one of the adults in the room, guiding [Kate Bush] through gigs at pubs."
   — Alan Cross [03:18]

3. "This was the song that made Wayne and the MC5 immortal."
   — Alan Cross [05:53]

4. "Mojo went out doing what he loved best, playing live."
   — Alan Cross [07:25]

5. "Ship of Fools... one of the best alt rock songs."
   — Alan Cross [08:26]

6. "Their mating of riffy guitars and pop melodies was groundbreaking."
   — Alan Cross [12:00]

7. "Crazy Town's massive hit 'Pretty Little Diddy' was a defining one-hit wonder of the 2000s."
   — Alan Cross [22:00]

8. "There are so many legendary performers... it's just a matter of time before we'll have to live in a world without them."
   — Alan Cross [24:30]

9. "At least their music will live on."
   — Alan Cross [25:00]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the "In Memoriam 2024" episode, offering listeners an in-depth look at the lives and legacies of the musicians who left us, while ensuring the content flows naturally and remains engaging for both existing fans and newcomers alike.