From bluesy licks to extreme shredding
A modern legend, Amy Winehouse joined the 27 club back in 2011. The talented artist led a successful career, yet was plagued by personal problems that followed her to the end.
Sid Vicious was explosive character both on stage and off. He played bass for the Sex Pistols, and was famed for his riotous relationship with girlfriend, Nancy Spungen (pictured left).
Before Mick Jagger, Brian Jones was the leader of the Rolling Stones. The guitarist founded the group, and wrote classic hits like ‘Paint It Black’ and ‘Ruby Tuesday.’
Amy passed away at her home in London. At the time of her death, she was found with a high level of alcohol in her system.
Vicious passed away in 1979, at just 21 years old. He overdosed in New York City, and was found dead by his mother Anne Beverley (left).
A glam rock superstar, Marc Bolan was the bandleader for rock legends T. Rex. He wrote and sung seminal hits like ‘Get It On’ and ‘Cosmic Dancer.’
Bolan passed away aged 29 in 1977. He was riding in a car driven by American singer Gloria Jones. The car hit a fence post and then a tree, killing Bolan instantly. Jones walked away relatively unscathed.
Jones is another member of the 27 club. He was found dead in his swimming pool at Cotchford Farm. Jones apparently had a high level of drugs and alcohol in his system. There have been some theories that Jones was murdered, yet they don’t seem to have any real credibility.
The youngest Bee Gee, Andy Gibb was a teen idol who also had a successful solo career.
When he was 32, Moon moved into Flat 12, 9 Curzon Place, London. American singer Cass Elliot had died in the same apartment just four years earlier. Moon rented from singer Harry Nilsson, who was concerned the flat was cursed. Moon eventually passed away in the flat after a drug overdose.
Bonham was 32 when he died. He consumed large amounts of alcohol, starting with 16 shots of vodka at breakfast. After crashing at bandmate Jimmy Page’s house later that day, Bonham was found unresponsive the next afternoon.
John Bonham played hard-hitting drums for rock band Led Zeppelin. Many consider him to be one of the greatest and most influential drummers ever.
Keith Moon was the drummer for the Who, the legendary rock band known for hits such as ‘My Generation’ and ‘Baba O'Riley.’
When he was 30, Kidd was involved in a fateful car crash on the A58. He was cremated in London.
Another Irish icon, Stephen Gately rose to fame with boy band Boyzone. He also had a brief solo career.
O’Riordan passed away earlier in 2018, aged 46. She died at the London Hilton hotel in Mayfair. Her death was ruled as unsuspicious.
The late Dolores O’Riordan found fame with The Cranberries. She was their front woman, writing and singing hits like ‘Zombie’ and ‘Dreams.’
Gately was 33 when died in Majorca in 2009. He died of a congenital heart defect, with the circumstances ruled as unsuspicious.
The iconic Queen front man had a career like no other. His onstage persona and incredible vocal range made him much more than a household name.
His partner, Jim Hutton, revealed that Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in April 1987. However, the issue was considered private. After rumors fueled in the press, Mercury revealed that he had AIDS in 1991. Just over a day later, he was found dead aged 45 at his Kensington home.
Lennon became an icon both with the Beatles and as a solo star. He had a distinctly rebellious nature, as well as a high-profile relationship with Yoko Ono.
In December 1980, Lennon and Ono were returning to their apartment in New York City. A gunman, Mark David Chapman, shot Lennon in the back. The singer was 40 when he died.
Edwards vanished in February 1995, at the age of 27, right before a scheduled tour of America. His car was found abandoned next to Severn Bridge. In 2008, Edwards was declared dead “in absentia.”
See also: Famous celebrities who died last decade
Richey Edwards was a Welsh rocker who found fame playing guitar for Manic Street Preachers.
Johnny Kidd was revered for many reasons. He was a British rocker who achieved worldwide fame before the Beatles, thanks to his 1960 hit ‘Shakin’ All Over.’
Ian Curtis committed suicide at his home in 1980, at the age of just 23. He was in the midst of a sour divorce with his wife, Deborah. The second Joy Division album, ‘Closer,’ was released two months later.
Drake passed away at 26 years old. He was suffering from depression, and it’s believed he committed suicide at his home in Warwickshire.
Some of the greatest British musicians were taken from us when they were far too young. In this gallery, we remember these legends who are no longer with us. Click on to learn more.
In his last days, Gibb was struggling with drug addiction and depression. Days after his 30th birthday, the singer passed away. He suffered from myocarditis, a heart condition.
Nick Drake was the depressive genius type. During his brief life, he never became a star, with albums that flopped and no hit records. It was only posthumously that his work was recognized.
A tortured star during his brief life, Ian Curtis was the lead singer and lyricist for Joy Division. He only saw one release during his life, ‘Unknown Pleasures’ in 1979.
British musicians who died too young
Ian Curtis of Joy Division passed away on May 18, 1980
MUSIC Celebrity deaths
Some of the greatest British musicians were taken from us when they were far too young. In this gallery, we remember these legends who are no longer with us. Click on to learn more.