The music world lost plenty of talented people in 2014, most of whom were honored during the In Memoriam section of the Grammys last night. Among some of the more notable names were Joe Cocker, Pete Seeger and Robin Williams, but The Recording Academy forgot a few others. Wayne Static of Static-X fame was not included during the tribute in addition to GWAR frontman Dave Brockie (Oderus Urungus), saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft, and a few others, Ultimate Classic Rock notes.
Static, aka Richard Wells, died in November at the age of 48. While some publications reported that the death was the result of a drug overdose, a statement on behalf of his family noted that the singer had been clean since 2009. A spokesperson for the coroner's office said no foul play was suspected, and as of Jan. 17, they were still awaiting a toxicology report. He reportedly died peacefully in his sleep before heading out on tour.
The leader of the alien rock band GWAR, Brockie, was found dead at his home in Richmond, Virginia, in March. An autopsy revealed in June that the singer died from a drug overdose. Members of GWAR have soldiered on since his passing, opening up a bar in their hometown - a dream of Brockie's that he was never able to see realized. He was 50.
Ravenscroft, who died in October at the age of 60, was the man behind the legendary saxophone riff in Gerry Rafferty's 1978 hit, "Baker Street." He also worked with Daft Punk, Pink Floyd, Robert Plant and Marvin Gaye. He died of a suspected heart attack.
Other omissions from the In Memoriam tribute include:
Clive-Beer Jones, Black Widow
Victor Agnello, Laaz Rockit
Rick Parashar, producer - Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains
Dick Wagner, Alice Cooper
Jimi Jamison, Survivor
John Spinks, The Outfield
