Two important member s of the Rock and Roll elite have left us for loftier plains over these last few days. And while no one member of that same elite club is ever ignored , these two hit especially close to home with their passing.
On Monday, Ray Manzarek, who is best known as the keyboardist for The Doors passed away at the young age of 74, taken by the evil known as cancer.
Ray Manzarek
1939-2013
RIP
Ray Manazarek is well known as a vital member of The Doors. The Doors have left a complete brand on the hide of Rock that is worn with pride even to this day. But not many are aware of Ray Manzarek’s “other” band, Nite City.
Nite City was formed in 1977, just a few years after The Doors collapsed with the death of Jim Morrison. Nite City released two good albums (Nite City; Golden Days, Diamond Nights).
After Nite City, Ray Manzarek did many things including a reformation of The Doors with Ian Astbury (The Cult).
Ray Manzarek’s death hits especially hard given his major status in the beginnings of Rock and Roll. His passing is not without note, and his departed presence not without mourning.
You will be missed, Mr Manzarek. Now go and teach The Great Band a new song…or two!
Today, another of the great ones left us. Trevor Bolder, who knew no Rock and Roll boundaries, having played with David Bowie’s Spiders From Mars (with Mick Ronson), and Uriah Heep, died at the age of 62, also from cancer.
Trevor Bolder
1950-2013
RIP
Bolder joined the Bowie show recording on Hunky Dory (1971), up through Pin Ups (1973). Bolder joined the late ’70s line-up of Uriah Heep beginning with Fireflies (1977) Trevor Bolder joined a touring version of Wishbone Ash in support of that band’s Number The Brave release, which featured John Wetton as the bass player. While most of Bolder’s career was folded around Uriah Heep, his impact is felt just as strongly as the passing of Ray Manzarek. What Ray Manzarek was to a style of Rock, Trevor Bolder was to a harder-edged Heavy Metal.
And 62 was far to young to be removed from this earth. However, he still will add a unique touch to The Great Band.
Mr Bolder, you will be missed. I will be unable to play the previously mentioned Bowie albums, as well as the previously mentioned Uriah Heep albums without remembering your contributions. I saw you during the Wishbone Ash tour at Chicago’s ChicagoFest way back when.
Nicely put Matt. I heard about Ray last night and was stunned. They kept his illness quiet. I am just learning from reading your post that Trevor had passed. I knew he was ill, but it is still a shock. Two great musicians that will live on in the great, timeless music they helped create. R.I.P. Ray and Trevor.
I hate weeks like this the loss of children in Oklahoma and the loss of great musicians,and after seeing some of the award show the other night this is a big loss RIP
Just another reminder that The Summer Of Love is ancient history.