RIP

Walter Becker

Steely Dan guitarist and co-founder Walter Becker has died, aged 67, In a statement to Rolling Stone, bandmate Donald Fagen said of his friend and songwriting partner of 50 years: "He was smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist and a great songwriter. He was cynical about human nature, including his own, and hysterically funny ... I intend to keep the music we created together alive as long as I can with the Steely Dan band".

US country music singer Don Williams - who enjoyed great success with his easy-going singing style - has died aged 78 after a short illness. Williams began his solo career in 1971, amassing 17 number one country hits. His songs such as 'Gypsy Woman' and 'Tulsa Time', were covered by singers such as Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. Williams was known as the 'gentle giant' of country music.

Another country star, Troy Gentry, has also died, Gentry died in a helicopter crash. Gentry, was half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, with his brother. Formed in 1999 the duo had released eight studio albums. Country music stars including Sheryl Crow paid tribute to Gentry on social media. Grammy award-winning Singer Brad Paisley said he was "heartbroken and in disbelief" at the news of Gentry's death.

Grant Hart

Little Barrie drummer Virgil Howe has died, aged 42. He was the son of Yes guitarist Steve Howe and the news was confirmed via the prog rock band's Facebook page last night. The cause of death has not yet been made public. Formed in 2000, Little Barrie are currently best known for writing the theme tune to 'Breaking Bad' spin-off 'Better Call Saul'. The band released their latest album, 'Death Express', in July, and were due to begin a UK tour in Cambridge.

Husker Du drummer Grant Hart has passed away. The NME says that there had beeb  been no official comment but according to social media reports, the Husker Du founder has died. He was 56 and had been battling cancer. Husker Du shared a photo of Hart on their Facebook page the same day.

Live Nation Belgium (LNB) booker Marianne Dekimpe has died at the age of 49. Dekimpe started her career as assistant to Rock Werchter festival founder Herman Schueremans and director Yo Van Saet. She later worked as a booking agent for Belgian and international artistes. 

Music industry veteran Mick Clark has died. President of his own company i10 Music Group at the time of his death, Clark also worked at labels including Columbia and Virgin during his career. In his A&R roles, he signed acts including Soul II Soul, Leftfield, Maxi Priest, Loose Ends and Grooverider. Alan McGee, who worked with Mick on a number of projects, said in a statement: "Mick was a musical genius - up until a week ago he was excitedly telling me about some great producer ideas. His sudden passing is a huge shock to me and the many people who loved him". Clark is survived by two sons, Jamie and Callum.

And as we write this piece, news broke that Tom Petty has died after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital. He was 66, and the author and performer of  a host of iconic songs including  "Don't Do Me Like That", "Refugee", "The Waiting", "I Won't Back Down" and "Freefalling". Petty joined his first band, The Sundowners, in high school at the age of 14 and then joined The Epics, who later changed their name to Mudcrutch, and Petty travelled to Los Angeles in search of a record deal which never came for the band. A new group formed in 1975 which included Petty and two former Mudcrutch members, eventually becoming known as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, with a hugely successful career. Petty also had success as an actor and ge joined fellow music legends Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison in 1988 to form The Travelling Wilburys. They released two studio albums. Petty was also an outspoken advicate of the rights of artists, taking issue with record companies on a number of occasions about what he believed to be unjust practices. Tony Dimitriades, longtime manager of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, confirmed Petty's death on behalf of the performer's family. “It’s shocking, crushing news,” Bob Dylan told Rolling Stone in a statement. “I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.” Image from musicisentropy on flickr.