Lesser-Known Tragic Rock Star Deaths
The Passing of DJ AM, Stuart Adamson and Johnny Schou
The deaths of major stars like Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain and Michael Jackson instantly become worldwide news, often resulting in elevation of the stars to legendary status. But the death of a performer like DJ AM brings the reminder that many other musicians who made major contributions to the industry have passed tragically without the same kind of overwhelming fanfare.
The Death of DJ AM
Though not a household name, DJ AM, whose real name was Adam Goldstein, was well-known and respected in the music community. He worked extensively with Travis Barker of Blink-182, as well as working as a DJ at many celebrity hangouts. Typical of today’s tabloid-hungry press, he was better known by the public for his high-profile relationships with Mandy Moore and Nicole Richie.
About a year before his death, Goldstein, along with Barker, was one of only two survivors of a plane crash in South Carolina. Recovery proved difficult, and lingering pain might have played a factor in his death, though the immediate cause has been attributed to drug use. Sadly, Goldstein had fought various addictions throughout his life, including a food addiction that led to obesity, and a later, long battle with drug addiction that seems to have finally claimed him.
Stuart Adamson of Big Country
Another musician who succumbed to long-term addiction was Stuart Adamson, lead singer of the Scottish-flavored band Big Country.
Though Big Country was basically a flash in the pan for American audiences, mostly disappearing from the airwaves after their 1983 hit “In a Big Country,” they continued to make the charts in the UK and Europe for several years, and were planning a comeback tour in 2001 when Adamson died.
Adamson had struggled with alcoholism for many years, but had been sober for almost a decade when he suddenly disappeared. He was reported missing on November 26, and on December 18th, his body was discovered in a hotel in Hawaii. He had hanged himself after what appeared to be an extensive alcohol-fueled binge. What triggered his breakdown remains a mystery. He was 43.
Johnny Schou of Tickle Me Pink
Unlike Goldstein and Adamson, Johnny Schou, who played bass for Fort Collins, Colorado band Tickle Me Pink, died tragically before his star had a chance to really shine. In 2008, Tickle Me Pink was just coming into its own, enjoying heavy airplay on local Denver stations and having just played the Vans Warped Tour. They were preparing for the release of their first album, Madeline, on July 1, when reports came that Schou had been found dead in his Fort Collins home. Later investigation showed that he had died of an accidental heroin overdose. He was 22.
Schou was known on the Denver scene not only for his work with Tickle Me Pink, but for being generous with his time and talent with many other bands.
Tickle Me Pink continues as a band, touring and releasing new music, but Schou remains close to their thoughts, and is sorely missed in the Denver music community.
BNC101
In memory of many talented musicians.
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