InfoSearched
Published -
- March 29, 2019
- 2:00 pm
When a rock star dies unexpectedly, the question of how they died can loom as large as the memory of how they lived.
Some allegations belong to a constellation of baseless rock star conspiracy theories. Other times, there are legitimate questions about the deaths of rock stars.
A music school dropout who often outclassed major musicians, Felix Pappalardi could play virtually any instrument. Pappalardi produced multiple albums for Eric Clapton’s group Cream and wrote much of the group’s hit single “Strange Brew.” Afterward, he became the bassist and backbone of the band Mountain. As the New York Daily News detailed, Mountain front man Leslie West credited Pappalardi with teaching him many music dos and don’ts.
After Mountain’s popularity peaked with “Mississippi Queen,” Pappalardi departed the band to save his hearing, but he kept busy with narcotics and extramarital affairs. Pappalardi had an open marriage with lyricist Gail Collins, who wrote the strangest lines of “Strange Brew.” She tolerated his tomcatting until 1982, when Pappalardi fell in love with would-be singer Valerie Merians. In April 1983, Pappalardi returned home after a night with with Merians and wound up with a bullet in his neck.
Collins shot him with a handgun he gave her as a gift. She then called her attorney, who advised her to call 911. Collins told police the incident was “… an accident during a 6 a.m. firearms training session.”
Detectives discovered pieces of the couple’s marriage certificate in the trash and understandably weren’t convinced. Collins spent two years in prison for negligent homicide.
Falling from the Mountain | 0:16
No satisfactory explanation | 1:33
Was Mama a stone-cold killer? | 2:49
Black metal to bloody murder | 3:48
Mr. Mystery | 5:13
A strange end | 6:24
Was Sid really vicious? | 7:34
In-A-Gadda-Da-Evil? | 8:46
The law loses | 10:06
Elegy for a Preacher | 11:10
What is the significance of rock and roll in the music industry?
Rock and roll is the music genre that revolutionized the music industry in the 20th century. It is known for its high energy and rebellious attitude, which has made it one of the most popular music genres in history. From the 1960s onwards, rock stars became cultural icons who shaped popular culture and influenced generations to come. However, behind the fame and fortune, some rock stars suffered from a tragic fate: death under suspicious circumstances. Here are some of the most notable cases:
Jim Morrison, lead vocalist of The Doors, died on July 3, 1971, in Paris, France, at the age of 27. The official cause of death was heart failure, but many conspiracy theories claim that he died of a drug overdose. Morrison had a history of drug addiction, and his death occurred shortly after he had been acquitted of public indecency charges in Miami, Florida. To this day, the exact circumstances of his death remain a mystery.
Jimi Hendrix, widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in music history, died on September 18, 1970, in London, England, at the age of 27. The official cause of death was asphyxiation due to barbiturate overdose. However, some conspiracy theories suggest that Hendrix was murdered, as he had allegedly been involved in drug deals with members of the underworld. The mystery surrounding his death has never been fully resolved.
Brian Jones, founder of The Rolling Stones, died on July 3, 1969, at the age of 27. The official cause of death was drowning, but many theories suggest that he was murdered. Jones had been struggling with drug addiction and erratic behavior, and his departure from The Rolling Stones had led to tensions within the band. Some speculate that he was killed by a contractor who was renovating his house or by a member of the band’s inner circle.
Kurt Cobain, lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana, died on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27. The official cause of death was suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, many conspiracy theories suggest that he was murdered. Cobain had been struggling with drug addiction and depression, and his suicide note seemed to indicate that he was contemplating leaving the music industry. Theories suggest that his wife, Courtney Love, or a hitman hired by her, may have been responsible for his death.
These rock stars’ untimely deaths have left an enduring legacy for future generations to ponder. Though the exact circumstances remain a mystery, the stories of their tragic fates continue to captivate people worldwide. Their lives may have been cut short, but their music lives on, reminding everyone that their legacies will never fade away.
