RIP

Our friend Angus Cameron commented on the passing of Primal Scream's guitarist Robert 'Throb' Young: "Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised - he was always the epitome of live-fast, die-young wasn't he? Certainly there were several occasions where I thought but he was heading for the exit door. But, the occasional difference of opinion notwithstanding, I will remember him with the fondest memories - a great big beautiful guy with a deep laugh and with a wicked sparkle in his eye. Shine On Throb." and John Empson added "Higher than the sun. RIP Throb".

From Andy Capon comes news of a passing - Art Ferguson - most recently of the the Big Blues Band and
who played professionally with jazz icons Humphrey Lyttleton and Memphis Slim: "Sad news about dear old Art Ferguson. Had the pleasure of drumming for him a few times, and remember the advice he gave me when I was flapping at playing in his band as an unrehearsed dep. "Just get up there and fuckin' enjoy it, y'poof", he said in that Scottish accent of his...". RIP mate x

American songwriter Bob Crewe - who's most known for his many high-charting collaborations with Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons, and for co-writing 'Lady Marmalade' -  has died aged 83.

The pioneering jazz musician Joe Sample, leader of the Crusaders, has died aged 75. Joe played with a plethora of stars including BB King, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye and Rod Stewart and wrote hits including Randy Crawford's Street Life and One Day I'll Fly Away.

Crystal Fighters have confirmed that the band's drummer Andrea Marongiu had died posting on Facebook "It is with deep regret and great sadness that we announce the tragic passing of our drummer and friend, Andrea Marongiu.  "Andrea was not only one of the most brilliant, skilful and charismatic drummers to have ever graced the stage, but also an incredibly kind, fun and loving friend to us all. Our condolences go out to anyone who was lucky enough to have known him, and most particularly to his family".

Derrick Zeiba

And from Alia Dann comes the sad news of the death of  top sound man Derrick Zeiba of Front of House Sound: "Such sad news today that Derrick Zeiba has left us. I was lucky enough to have known him for 25 years - funny, tolerant, patient, professional, reliable. He will be missed by many". Renowned throughout the theatre and music industries for his outstanding sound designs, Derrick manned the audio during ILMC's Gala Dinners for over a decade as well as working on the BRIT and MTV Europe Awards. Derrick is survived by his children Emily, James and Edward and sister Linda.

American country singer George Hamilton IV has died aged 77. A political liberal, George was known as 'the International Ambassador for Country' in 1973 he conducted the then longest ever country music international tour - 73 dates in three months  - and the next year went to to visit the Soviet Union, Scandinavia, Australasia, New Zealand, Japan and countries in the Middle East and Africa. 

And Christopher Hogwood, the conductor and founder of the Academy of Ancient Music has died. He led the movement to recreate baroque and other old masterpieces using original (or replica) instruments from the time.