State Champ Radio Death
Trending on Billboard Weeks after Ace Frehley’s death, a newly obtained autopsy report has shed some light on why the KISS co-founder and iconic guitarist died suddenly at the age of 74 in October. According to to outlets such as TMZ and People, documents provided by the Morris County Medical Examiner in New Jersey confirmed […]
Ariana Grande‘s grandmother, Marjorie Grande — known to the pop star and millions of her fans as “Nonna” — has passed away. She was 99 years old. The singer announced the news Tuesday (June 17) on her Instagram Story, sharing a photo of Marjorie as a young woman accompanied by a statement from the Grande […]
Bruce Springsteen has shared a thoughtful tribute to Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys legend who died this week at the age of 82.
Posted on Instagram Thursday (June 12) — one day after Wilson’s family announced that he had passed away following a difficult battle with dementia — The Boss’ tribute began by calling the late singer-songwriter “the most musically inventive voice in all of pop, with an otherworldly ear for harmony.”
“He was also the visionary leader of America’s greatest band, The Beach Boys,” Springsteen continued. “If there’d been no Beach Boys, there would have been no ‘Racing In The Street.’ Listen to ‘Summer’s Gone’ from The Beach Boys’ last album That’s Why God Made The Radio and weep.”
“Farewell, Maestro,” added the rocker. “Nothing but love and a lovely lasting debt from all of us over here on E Street.”
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Springsteen is just one of many living legends who has shared remarks following Wilson’s death. Elton John, Bob Dylan and Carole King have also posted tributes, while several younger stars — Clairo, Gracie Abrams and Maggie Rogers, to name a few — have also paid respects.
Paul McCartney, who inducted Wilson into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000, wrote on Instagram, “Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special … I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while.”
Springsteen has long maintained his appreciation for Wilson’s work. “There’s no greater world created in rock and roll than the Beach Boys,” the guitarist said in 2021 documentary Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, according to Far Out. “The level of musicianship, I don’t think anybody’s touched it yet.”
In 2015, Springsteen made a surprise appearance at Wilson’s concert in New Jersey, joining the icon on stage. Two year’s later, Wilson’s official Facebook account shared a photo of the two men together, with the caption: “Bruce Springsteen makes it a point to see Brian when he’s in New Jersey. Here’s Brian and Bruce before tonight’s show at the Count Basie Theatre.”
See Springsteen’s post below.
Rick Derringer — legendary guitarist, rock icon and songwriter behind hits such as “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and “Real American” — has died. He was 77 years old.
The news comes via a Facebook post from the musician’s caretaker, Tony Wilson, who shared on Tuesday (May 27) that Derringer had passed away at 8:09 p.m. on Monday. His wife, Jenda Derringer, was at his side, as was Wilson.
“Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent,” the announcement reads. “His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones.”
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The post did not include a cause of death, but according to a report from Variety, Derringer had been ill in recent months.
Shaped by his proficiency on guitar, Derringer’s career as a performer, songwriter and producer spanned six decades. In addition to finding fame as part of the McCoys with hits such as 1965’s “Hang On Sloopy,” the Ohio native and Florida resident also worked on music for a wide variety of artists, from Cyndi Lauper to Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Alice Cooper, KISS and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Over the course of his time in the music industry, Derringer charted four albums on the Billboard 200 — starting with All American Boy, which reached No. 25 in 1974. Spring Fever and The Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer would later enter the chart in 1975, followed by Derringer Live in 1977.
Derringer also had one LP make it onto the Jazz Albums chart: 2002’s Free Ride.
Two of the most important pieces of Derringer’s legacy, however, will always be the songs “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and “Real American.” The former reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 — marking Derringer’s highest career peak on the chart — while the latter is known for its use as pro wrestler Hulk Hogan’s theme song.
“Real American” was also used as campaign music for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, as well as sitting president Donald Trump. In 2017, Derringer was working on a new version of the song that would “transcend politics and bring the nation together,” according to manager Kenn Moutenot, who was also the drummer in The Rick Derringer Band.
According to his Spotify, Derringer was still releasing music up until 2022. That year, he dropped a track called “Let It Be the Blues,” which followed a 2018 cover of Aimee Zimmerman’s “Always Be Your Mom” with Jenda.
It’s been exactly six months since the world was left stunned by the sudden death of Liam Payne, and his sister is marking the occasion with an emotional tribute posted to Instagram on Wednesday (April 16).
In black text over a white background, Ruth Gibbins — the late One Direction star’s older sister — began the letter by saying, “6 months, half a year without you?!”
“My head is still screaming for you,” she continued. “Each morning on waking, I feel like I am plunged underwater, gasping for air that never comes to relieve me. Living without you is impossible, so for now, I exist. I’m learning to laugh or smile in the right places, but mate, it’s exhausting when all I want to do is speak to you.”
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Gibbins went on to say that she can sometimes hear her little brother “laughing at me walking around,” comparing his lingering presence to the 1990 film Ghost. “You’re always coming through in different ways to put me back on the right path,” she wrote.
Payne died at the age of 31 on Oct. 16, 2024, after suffering a fatal fall from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. According to subsequent toxicology reports, the X Factor alum had several substances in his system and a nearly life-threatening blood-alcohol content at the time of his death.
In the days that followed, numerous family members, friends and colleagues — including each of Payne’s former 1D bandmates — shared statements remembering the musician. In a lengthy statement of her own posted Oct. 19, Gibbins wrote, “My brain is struggling to catch up with what’s happening, and I don’t understand where you’ve gone … I don’t feel this world was good enough or kind enough to you, and quite often over the last few years, you’ve had to really try hard to overcome all that was being aimed at you. You just wanted to be loved and to make people hpapy with your music.”
Six months later, Gibbins says she still “can’t process what’s happened and the finality of it. “You know I will never stop doing all I can for you,” she added in her Wednesday post. “I miss you loudly, quietly and in all the moments inbetween. Love you so much more than these words or my tears are capable of expressing but I know you know this. For now I’ll meet you in my dreams.”
Gibbins’ half-year commemoration comes a little over a month after Payne’s relatives issued a united statement slamming tabloid coverage of the star’s death. Calling out the “constant media attention and speculation” that ensued immediately after Payne suffered his fall, the family wrote that the press had “exacted indescribable, lasting damage on the family,” particularly the “Strip That Down” singer’s 7-year-old son, Bear.
“Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him,” they added at the time. “Instead, [Payne’s son] Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother and all of Liam’s friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear.”
See Gibbins’ full note below.
American Idol contestant Doug Kiker has died at age 32. The singer’s sister, Angela Evans, shared the news with a Facebook post on Wednesday, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker.” “He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many!” she […]
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It seems Irv Gotti’s lack of self-care led to his untimely passing. His brother Chris Gotti has confirmed the late producer suffered a stroke prior to his death.
As per TMZ, the former Murder Inc. Records executive was a recent guest on the 2WAY podcast. The older sibling revealed that Irv Gotti did not like being seen by medical professionals and didn’t find out that he was diabetic until a couple of years ago. “He’s 54. I believe he was diagnosed in his late 40s. But Irv doesn’t go to the doctor so that’s why he’s so late being diagnosed,” Chris explained. “And when he finally did go get a real physical and a check-up, they were like, ‘You’re diabetic,’ and he didn’t believe it.”
Chris confirmed that not only did Irv Gotti have Type 1 diabetes but their father, who died at age 86, was also diabetic. Even after the news Irv decided to live his life however he saw fit. “We all have to go at one point in time we just really want to go on our terms. And Irv, sadly enough, he did go on his terms. He just didn’t believe it and he was like, ‘I’m going to go the way I wanted’,” Chris added. “He ate a bunch of Chinese food while playing poker and had a massive hemorrhagic stroke, which is bleeding on the brain.”
You can see Chris Gotti discuss his late brother below.
The music world is mourning Marianne Faithfull, who died this week at 78 years old.
Tributes to the iconic singer-songwriter have been pouring in ever since her spokesperson revealed in a statement Thursday (Jan. 30) that she had “passed away peacefully” earlier that day while surrounded by family in London, with Mick Jagger, Metallica and more stars all penning messages remembering her life and legacy.
The Rolling Stones frontman — who famously dated Faithfull in the ’60s — shared a couple throwback photos of himself with the “As Tears Go By” singer and wrote that he was “saddened to hear” of her death, adding, “She was so much part of my life for so long … She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress.”
The Stones’ Keith Richards also shared a more recent photo of himself with Faithfull and offered his “heartfelt condolences” to her family, writing, “I’m so sad and will miss her!!” Bandmate Ronnie Wood also shared photos with the singer-actress on Instagram and added, “Marianne will be dearly missed.”
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The group further paid tribute to Faithfull by sharing a video of an old performance of “As Tears Go By” on the Stones’ official X account, while Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich wrote, “Thank you, Marianne… For the good times, for your kindness, for the great stories, for your fearlessness.” The metal giants teamed with Faithfull for “The Memory Remains” from their 1997 ReLoad album.
In addition to the rock bands, both of John Lennon’s sons spoke out about Faithfull’s death. “A uniquely special soul, she was one of a kind — someone who truly did stand out among her contemporaries,” wrote Julian on X, while Sean Ono Lennon shared a photo of Faithfull with the caption, “Marianne Faithfull R.I.P. ❤️ Miss you.”
The Kinks’ Dave Davies shared a link to “As Tears Go By” on X and wrote, “A bit sad all my friends are going … Bless her,” while The Charlatans’ singer Tim Burgess posted, “Farewell Marianne Faithfull … She was such a free spirit and true talent.”
David Bowie’s official account acknowledged Faithfull’s death by sharing photos of the two late legends together, writing, “GO WELL MARIANNE.” Slash simply shared a photo of the Girl on a Motorcycle star on Instagram and wrote, “RIP.”
As evidenced by the amount of legends who have spoken out about her passing, Faithfull was an essential, beloved figure of the ’60s and beyond. She notched five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 — including top 40 hits “Summer Nights” and “Come and Stay With Me” — and released two dozen albums, several of which charted on the Billboard 200. Outside of music, the British performer acted in a number of iconic films, perhaps most notably starring in Michael Winner’s 1967 dramedy I’ll Never Forget What’s’isname.
Faithfull also had a son — Nicholas Dunbar, whom she shared with ex-husband John Dunbar.
One Direction has spoken out about the loss of former bandmate Liam Payne, who died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday (Oct. 16).
In a joint statement shared to Instagram one day after the tragedy, surviving members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson wrote that they are collectively “completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.”
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,” their message continues. “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.”
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“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us,” the band added. “We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
Payne died around 5:07 p.m. local time after sustaining multiple traumas and hemorrhages from his fall, a recent preliminary autopsy confirmed. Local authorities believe he was not sober at the time and found substances that appeared to be narcotics and alcoholic drinks in his room after they arrived at the scene. In the moments leading up to the star’s death, a hotel manager called 911 to report that a guest was “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol” and “destroying [their] entire room”; by the time police got there, Payne had already fallen from the balcony of his room and died due to his injuries.
Payne, Styles, Horan, Malik and Tomlinson first met in 2010 on The X Factor, when judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger placed them together in a boy band. One Direction continued on for six years after that, scoring four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and six Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits in addition to embarking on numerous sold-out global tours before disbanding in 2016.
Afterward, all five members pursued solo careers. Relations between them were sometimes tense following their split, but in recent years, the quintet appeared to be supporting one another more than ever. Just two weeks before he died in Argentina, Payne had attended Horan’s concert in the country.
In addition to the band’s statement, Tomlinson also shared his own personal tribute to Payne on Instagram on Thursday. “Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction,” he wrote, sharing a throwback photo with his late bandmate. “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
Liam Payne is being remembered by his former secondary school after the 31-year-old singer’s shocking death Wednesday (Oct. 16).
The morning after Payne suffered a fatal fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires — where the star appeared to have been staying on a trip with his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy — St Peter’s Collegiate Academy posted a statement on Facebook mourning the loss in its community.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former student, Liam Payne,” the message reads. “During his time at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, Liam was not only well-liked by his peers and teachers, but also recognized for his talents. He made a positive impact on our school community, and his contributions will be remembered.”
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the school added. “We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by his passing.”
St Peter’s is located in Wolverhampton, England, where Payne grew up. He found fame in 2010 when an audition on The X Factor led to a six-year pop-music takeover as part of One Direction, after which the musician embarked on his own solo career.
The statement from Payne’s school is just one of countless messages of grief that have taken over social media since Argentinian police confirmed his passing, with Zedd, Paris Hilton, Ty Dolla $ign, Rita Ora and more musicians joining hordes of fans in remembering the boy band star online. His family also spoke out Thursday morning (Oct. 17), telling the BBC: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
A recent preliminary autopsy affirms that Payne died from the multiple hemorrhages he sustained as a result of his fall, which occurred around 5:07 p.m. Wednesday. Examiners are still waiting for further toxicology reports to determine the extent to which drugs or alcohol played a part in the sequence of events; however, investigators did find substances in his hotel room that at first glance appeared to be narcotics and alcoholic drinks.
In the moments leading up to Payne’s death, a hotel manager also placed a frantic 911 call to report that a guest was “overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol” and “destroying [their] entire room.” By the time police arrived, the musician had already fallen and died at the scene due to his injuries.
Payne is survived by a 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl Cole.
