Musician Deaths Add Up This Weekend as We Say Goodbye to Frankie Banali, Walter Lure, Jack Sherman, Justin Townes Earle
This weekend was a tough one for the world of rock n’ roll. With so many legends gone, it’s tough to find a place to begin.
The unfortunate weekend kicked off with the death of Quiet Riot/WASP drummer Frankie Banali. Banali died Thursday in Los Angeles, CA. He was 68 years old. He had been battling pancreatic cancer for sixteen months.
When originally diagnosed, Banali was given six months to live. He put up a brave battle chronicling his fight and providing inspiration for his fans and other cancer patients.
Banali was born in New York but moved to Los Angeles in the 80’s. He ended up playing with many well-known musicians including Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Osbourne and Rudy Sarzo. He was best known as the drummer for Quiet Riot and was the last surviving member of the band. He is survived by his wife Regina and daughter Ashley.
As the rock n’ roll world mourned Banali’s death, little did they know another blow was on the way. On Saturday, the sad news came in that we also lost punk rock legend Walter Lure.
Lure was a co-founding member of Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. After the band broke up, he played in his own band, The Waldos, who performed regularly at NYC venues like The Continental. He lived a bit of a dual life also working on Wall Street by day.
Lure was diagnosed with liver and lung cancer in July of 2020. The cancer spread quickly and he died from complications. He died peacefully in the hospital surrounded by family. He was 71 years old.
Another well-known musician lost on Saturday is Jack Sherman, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist. Sherman was the second guitarist for the band, stepping in briefly to replace Hillel Slovek who later returned to the band.
Sherman toured with the band and co-wrote some songs that appeared on their album “Freaky Styley”. He was upset not to have been included when RHCP was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
The cause of Sherman’s death is unknown. He was 64 at the time of his passing.
Steve Earle’s son, Justin Townes Earle rounds out the last of the four deaths that occurred over the weekend. Like his father, Justin was an acclaimed American songwriter who released eight albums in the span of his career. He was honored twice at the Americana Music awards and his best known song was ‘Harlem River Blues.”
No cause of death has been given but Earle was known to have battled with addiction throughout his life. He was just 38 when he died. He leaves behind his wife and young daughter.
What a devastating weekend for the world of rock n’ roll. RIP to all we have lost.
