RIP

Sir George Martin, ‘The Fifth Beatle’, has died peacefully at his home. He was 90 years old. Martin, who produced records for the Beatles throughout their career, was also a talented composer, arranger and musician. He has been called “the greatest British record producer of all time” by Mark Ronson and Sir Paul McCartney, who worked with Martin as a Beatle but also on later solo work said: “I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever. He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me." Quincy Jones called Martin "my musical brother", while Radiohead collaborator Nigel Godrich dubbed him "the definitive record producer" who "did it all first... and best". Sir George's son Giles Martin, who followed in his father's footsteps as a producer, simply wrote: "RIP dad. I love you. I'm so proud to have been your son. I'll miss you more than words can say. Thank you for the all times we had together." A true gentleman. 

Colin Vearncombe, aka Black, best known for his 1987 hit ‘Wonderful Life’, has died following a road traffic accident earlier this month. He was 53. Vearncombe had been placed in an induced coma after sustaining a serious head injury in the crash, near Cork Airport, on 10 January. His wife Camilla and three sons said in a statement: “Colin received the best possible care from the expert and highly professional staff [at the hospital] and we are deeply grateful for everything they did”.  This from the Guardian: The singer of Black viewed his hit Wonderful Life as a burden, something that has often been the fate of artists with one breakout hit

Paul Kantner, founding member, guitarist and singer for Jefferson Airplane and Starship, died Thursday of multiple organ failure and septic shock. He had suffered a heart attack earlier in the week, according to San Francisco Chronicle. He was 74.

Maurice White, the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire has died aged 74. he had been suffering from Parkinsons disease for many years. Already an accomplished session drummer, White, Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead - joined by his his brother Verdine and singer Philip Bailey -  founded the funk/soul nine piece in 1969 and went on to have massive success with hits like "September", "Boogie Wonderland", "Shining Star" and "After the Love has Gone". Earth, Wind & Fire were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and Maurice was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.

Vi Subversa

Vi Subversa, the singer/guitarist of British anarcho-punks Poison Girls, has died. Her son shared the news on Facebook, saying she "passed away peacefully following a short illness," Louder Than War reports. She was 80. Born Frances Sokolov, Vi Subversa began performing with Richard Famous, Lance d'Boyle, and Bella Donna in 1975. In 1977, they performed their first show under the name "Poison Girls." The band released three albums plus several EPs and singles. Their last album Songs of Praise was released in 1985. The band broke up at the end of the 1980s, though Vi Subversa continued to perform. Her last show was just a few weeks ago.


Music lawyer Richard Antwi has died. A number of his clients, including Wretch 32, 'Godfather of Grime' Wiley and singer Estelle, paid their respects on social media following the 'shock' death of the 38-year-old.  Antwi, who many likened to a 'big brother', was credited with launching the careers of many artists that have gone on to achieve chart success, including Lethal Bizzle, Mr Hudson and Melissa Steel. Music Week have published a marvellous collection of tributes to Richard.