Musicians' passings that hit you hard

[Blooby]

Sorry for the morbid topic, but I am genuinely curious.  I got to thinking about this with the slew of musicians who have passed in the last couple years.

As saddened as I have been in the past by the death of musicians, the only two whose passings were truly gut punches to me when I heard about them were Miles Davis and Michael Hedges.  I guess I was either not as invested or too young to be affected by others to a massive degree.

How about you?

Blooby

[Facemask93]

John Lennon & George Harrison , My life and their music was intertwined through my early years

Rob

[Oldrottenhead]

i was extremely upset to hear of the passing of thomas hannsen aka st thomas, what was really upsetting was he was dead for a few months before i found out, being norwegian british music press where late with the news.

i recorded one of his in tribute and later wrote an original in dedication to him, his sister heard it an contacted me to thank me, flash and geir for the tribute.

[64Guitars]

Jimi Hendrix. My favourite musician ever. He died way too young. Just imagine what he could do with today's technology. A tragic loss.

[Oldrottenhead]

i was also touched when don van vliet died, it had added poignancy in that he died  on my birthday

[Tangled Wires]

Kurt Cobain for me. I was (and still am) a massive Nirvana fan, and it hit me hard that a talented 27 year old man chose to end his life in such a way and also that it meant the end of this hugely influential band.

[henwrench]

Good question from the underwearless Guinness drinking Floridian...

      Yeah, I still find it gut wrenching that John Lennon and George Harrison are no longer here. We all know about the violence with Lennon's passing and many forget the guy who attacked Harrison in his home. His wife and son are both convinced he would be here today if that had not happened...
  
      Harry Nilsson
      Freddie Mercury
      
     and although he's not technically dead, Nic Jones. If you are not aware of his work...possibly one of the greatest acoustic guitarists with a wonderful English folk voice....please listen to this...

                  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzMjQ1VQZEo


                                                      henwrench
      

[launched]

Eddie Harris struck a chord with me when I heard he died. I was not a huge fan, had only one album and never really knew anything about him. I just remember being a 13 year old kid hearing "Obnoxious" and "Abstractions" thinking, "That guy just does whatever the heck he wants". 

So I guess in that respect he had a big influence on me.

[Gritter]

Kurt Cobain. I considered him a contemporary and I had just seen Nirvana play a show in Vancouver 3 months prior to his death.

and Elliott Smith, another suicide.

[Gnasty]

Everyone knows my answer is Randy Rhoads but to me
dying of suicide or killing yourself with drugs or alchohol
is sad but not a tragic loss when they decided their own fate.
Ive personally seen it and It all could have been avoided.
Seek help when needed!