The Encyclopedia of Dead Rock Stars: Heroin, Handguns, and Ham Sandwiches

First published in 2006, THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DEAD ROCK STARS comes roaring back with an additional 200 pages, taking coverage to 2011. Jeremy Simmonds tribute to dead rock stars of the past 40-odd years is a fascinating if macabre treat for rock fans and trivia buffs alike. Starting off with Alan Freeds death in 1965, Simmons presents a year-by-year accounting of rock singers, musicians, composers, managers, DJs, producers and what-not. Entries range from 1/3 of a page to three pages or more, providing insightful, comprehensive details on the life and career of the dearly departed along with details on how they left this mortal coil. A few of the entries have accompanying photographs most dont. All the usual suspects are included - Elvis, Jim Morrison, Janis, Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Cass Elliot, Sid Vicious, Tupac, etc. - along with lesser-knowns like Smiley Culture, Kazuhko Kato and Fritz Fryer. The update brings in recent deaths like Michael Jackson, Les Paul and Bo Diddley. In short, THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DEAD ROCK STARS is a thoroughly interesting guidebook to pop musics dead, full of fascinating facts and tidbits about the life and times of famous and not-so-famous rock folk