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4.47pm
Reviewers
17 December 2012
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News is just breaking that Ronnie Spector lost a short battle with cancer today at the age of 78.
The news was broken with a statement on her official website:
Family Statement on the Passing of Ronnie Spector:
Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer. She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan.
Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude.
Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her.
In lieu of flowers, Ronnie requested that donations be made to your local women’s shelter or to the American Indian College Fund.
A celebration of Ronnie’s life and music will be announced in the future.
The family respectfully asks for privacy at this time.
Directly above the statement is her recording of this Lennon/McCartney song…
“And now the time has come and so, my love, I must go…” 
Ronnie had lots of interesting associations with The Beatles from early on.
Lead singer of The Ronettes, their paths first crossed in January 1964 when Brian hosted a party for them and Phil Spector at his Green Street flat in Mayfair, London, while The Ronettes were touring the UK. The Ronettes and Phil were among those on The Beatles flight to New York on 7 February 1964. It is widely believed that John and her had a brief fling around this time though, while admitting they kissed, and that she “almost” forgot all about Phil during that kiss, she would never say if it was more than a kiss.
Despite The Beatles love of the US girl groups, the only girl group to tour with them were The Ronettes, who were one of the support acts on their final US tour in 1966. Phil was incensed by the idea and forbade her from going on the tour, with her cousin stepping in take her place as lead vocalist.
In 1971, as a solo artist, she was briefly signed to Apple Records, releasing the George written Try Some, Buy Some (co-produced by George and Phil) single, APPLE 33. Though not a big hit, George would reuse the backing track when he did his own version on Living in the Material World. The b-side, Tandoori Chicken, was co-written by George and Phil, and she recorded another couple of George songs (You and When Every Song Is Song) along with other songs for a proposed Apple album, but with Apple in freefall the album never happened.
One of the great singers of her generation, her career was never what it could have been because of the controlling and abusive nature of her relationship with Phil, who she’d begun a relationship with shortly after the band signed to his Philles label in 1963 (unaware he was married). Following his marriage break-up she moved in with him, marrying in 1968, she became a virtual prisoner.
Surrounding the house with barbed-wire and guard dogs, he confiscated all her shoes to make it difficult for her to leave the house, insisted she drive around with a life-size dummy of him in the car on those occasions she was allowed out, and had a gold glass-topped coffin in the basement, telling her that’s where she’d end up if she ever tried to leave him.
Eventually escaping him in 1972, aided by her mother, she left with just the clothes on her back, and sacrificed her future royalties during the divorce in 1974, along with custody of, and access to, their adopted children. The only reason she kept his name professionally was because it was recognisable.
Luckily her second marriage was far happier.
She maintained friendships with John and George up until their death, and was still friends with Paul and Ringo.
A great artist whose career was largely ruined when she fell for the wrong man.
RIP Veronica Yvette Greenfield née Bennett (10 August 1943 – 12 January 2022)
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PauliesGirl, Richard, Beatlebug, The Hole Got Fixed, Rube, vonbontee, SgtPeppersBulldog, WeepingAtlasCedars"I only said we were bigger than Rod... and now there's all this!" Ron Nasty
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The Beatles Bible 2020 non-Canon Poll Part One: 1958-1963 and Part Two: 1964-August 1966
5.16pm
11 November 2010
Offline RIP Ronnie Spector
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Beatlebug, Von Bontee, Rube, SgtPeppersBulldogI'm Necko. I'm like Ringo except I wear necklaces.
I'm also ewe2 on weekends.
Most likely to post things that make you go hmm... 2015, 2016, 2017. 
10.11pm
Moderators
15 February 2015
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Oh wow that sucks to hear. RIP. 
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5.48am
31 March 2008
Offline
This one hit hard. I love the Ronettes – Be My Baby is one of those rare perfect songs, but they did so many more.
I was lucky enough to see Ronnie Spector live three years ago. She was fabulous. I think it was billed as a Ronettes gig but she was the only original member. Her backing band included two beehived (younger) singers who were good, but everyone was there for Ronnie.
She spoke briefly about Spector, who was still alive then, of how he was a brilliant producer but a terrible husband, then ended the speech by saying: “And, you know, he’s in prison and we’re all here…” It got a huge cheer.
Also, just look at that setlist:
If I had a bucket list, seeing Ronnie Spector sing Be My Baby live would surely be near the top. What a show, what a singer. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/duk4aMz3MK
— Joe Goodden (@joegoodden) January 25, 2019
I’ve also got an autographed copy of her last album, English Heart. Sadly I didn’t meet her. Amazon US were selling signed vinyl when it came out, so of course I grabbed one.
Today's listening. Ronnie Spector signed my English Heart. 💔 pic.twitter.com/nZ3M2Uky0O
— Joe Goodden (@joegoodden) January 13, 2022
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8.50am
Reviewers
17 December 2012
Offline Ronnie Spector, Rest in Peace.https://t.co/khqztz69rY
— John Lennon ?? (@johnlennon) January 13, 2022
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God bless you Ronnie peace and love to all the family peace and love. ????????? pic.twitter.com/GY3oZIfdRf
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) January 14, 2022
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The Beatles Bible 2020 non-Canon Poll Part One: 1958-1963 and Part Two: 1964-August 1966
10.47am
17 June 2021
Offline She was a brilliant singer. RIP Ronnie.
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2.56am
Reviewers
17 December 2012
Offline A statement has appeared on Meat Loaf’s official Facebook page in the last half-hour breaking the news of his death at the age of 74:
Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.
His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including “Fight Club”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World.”
“Bat Out of Hell” remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.
We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man.
We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time.
From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!
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The Beatles Bible 2020 non-Canon Poll Part One: 1958-1963 and Part Two: 1964-August 1966
9.57am
14 December 2009
Offline Damn.
R.I.P. big guy with bigger voice
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10.32am
Reviewers
17 December 2012
Offline Reports are that it was Covid that got him. Don’t know if he was vaccinated or not, but if you ain’t, it’s never too late to go get yourself jabbed. This thing still kills.
"I only said we were bigger than Rod... and now there's all this!" Ron Nasty
To @ Ron Nasty it's @ mja6758
The Beatles Bible 2020 non-Canon Poll Part One: 1958-1963 and Part Two: 1964-August 1966
6.38am
14 June 2016
Offline In Australia, Meat Loaf was well known for his AFL grand final pre-show entertainment. RIP, Mr Loaf.
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5.19pm
18 September 2016
Offline I loved Meatloaf in Fight Club. A wonderful decent guy, with the soundtrack to our youth.
“I know, Jerry, that you are as human as the rest of us, if not more so."
8.45am
17 June 2021
Offline Meat Loaf was a fantastic singer. I first discovered him when he played Dennis who was the Spice Girls’ bus driver in Spice World: The Movie.
Winner of Most Hardcore Beatles Bible Fan 2021
5.12am
Reviewers
17 December 2012
Offline — Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022
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Shocked at the announcement coming from the Foo Fighters that Taylor Hawkins has died suddenly during their tour of South America at the age of 50.
Gaining attention as Alanis Morissette’s touring drummer, he joined the Foo Fighters when approached by Dave Grohl for advice on who’d be a good person to get in as he’d fallen out with the band’s original drummer, who’d left the band as a result. Grohl hadn’t thought he’d leave Morissette’s band as they were the more successful act but soon found himself with the man who’d be their drummer for over two decades.
Not an easy gig, with Grohl rightly considered one of rock’s great drummers himself. The addition of Hawkins made the Foo Fighters more of a band though, rather than just what Dave Grohl did next.
Just shocking news with no cause of death yet given. The loss of one of rock’s great drummers.
RIP Oliver Taylor Hawkins (17 February 1972 – 25 March 2022)
…and Sir…
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meaigs, The Hole Got Fixed, sigh butterfly, Von Bontee, penny lane, SgtPeppersBulldog, WeepingAtlasCedars"I only said we were bigger than Rod... and now there's all this!" Ron Nasty
To @ Ron Nasty it's @ mja6758
The Beatles Bible 2020 non-Canon Poll Part One: 1958-1963 and Part Two: 1964-August 1966
5.54am
Reviewers
17 December 2012
Offline Ringo has said…
God bless Taylor peace and love to all his family and the band peace and love. ?????????? pic.twitter.com/wn2izxn4Vd
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 26, 2022
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The Beatles Bible 2020 non-Canon Poll Part One: 1958-1963 and Part Two: 1964-August 1966
3.35pm
26 January 2017
Offline Had the news today that my grandparents’ dog, Rosie, was put to sleep today, after a few months of nasty illness. They’ve always been busy people, up and down the country a good bit of the time, so she’d often come to stay at our house, sometimes for two or three months every year. She was the best, happiest, silliest dog you could have the privilege to know, and I’ll miss her very dearly. Cherish your pets, because sadly they won’t be around forever.
R.I.P. sweet pup, you’ll be in my heart forever
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sigh butterfly, meaigs, Von Bontee, Beatlebug, SgtPeppersBulldog, Rube, WeepingAtlasCedarsI've been up on the mountain, and I've seen his wondrous grace,
I've sat there on the barstool and I've looked him in the face.
He seemed a little haggard, but it did not slow him down,
he was humming to the neon of the universal sound.
2.08am
Reviewers
Moderators
1 May 2011
Offline Alan White, drummer with John, George and many many others died a couple of days ago.
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8.55am
17 June 2021
Offline He was a fantastic musician. RIP Alan
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12.43pm
11 June 2015
Offline Yes Drummer Alan White Dead at 72
Alan White, the drummer for British prog band Yes, died earlier today following a brief illness, his wife Gigi confirmed via the artist’s Facebook page.
His family took to social media to pay tribute to White’s decades-long career in music. The post said, “Alan White, our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away at the age of 72 at his Seattle-area home on May 26, 2022, after a brief illness. Throughout his life and six-decade career, Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world; bandmate to a select few, and gentleman and friend to all who met him.”
Earlier this week, Yes had announced that White — a member of the band since 1972 — was to sit out their upcoming U.K. and Ireland shows through June due to health reasons. It was to mark the 50th anniversary of Yes’ album Closer to the Edge, which had featured outgoing drummer Bill Bruford and was the first opportunity White was handed to shine.
In a short statement, the band’s management had said earlier this week: “Alan was really looking forward to playing live again preparing to celebrate 50 years with Yes, having joined the band for the July 1972 Close To The Edge Tour, coming full circle in 2022. Alan’s close friend Jay Schellen will be taking on drumming duties in Alan’s place.”White was also famously known for being part of John Lennon ’s album Imagine and behind the kit for the Plastic Ono Band since 1969. White had a trial by fire, performing in front of 25,000 people at the Live Peace show in Toronto. He recalled in a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone, “They had a drum stool and there was no drums. I went, ‘Oh, this isn’t going to be good.’ Eric [Clapton] plugged his guitar in and they built a drum kit around me while I sat there. Suddenly, the sticks were thrown into my hand and John counted, ‘1, 2, 3 …’ And we were in the first number. It was all kind of a flash in a pan.”
His family’s Facebook post recalls, “Alan’s association with Lennon continued, recording singles like ‘Instant Karma ’ and the subsequent landmark album, Imagine , with Alan providing drums for the title song, ‘Jealous Guy ,’ and ‘How Do You Sleep at Night.’ Alan’s work with Lennon led to an introduction to George Harrison , who asked Alan to perform on the album All Things Must Pass , including the single, ‘My Sweet Lord ’, released in 1970. Alan subsequently worked with many artists for the Apple label, including Billy Preston, Rosetta Hightower, and Doris Troy.”
t=740s
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Longer than the road that stretches out ahead
7.58pm
1 July 2020
Offline Just heard news that Ronnie Hawkins passed away at age 87.
He worked with The Band, and was featured in their Last Waltz documentary.
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2021: 
10.20am
14 December 2009
Offline Magill said
Just heard news that Ronnie Hawkins passed away at age 87.He worked with The Band, and was featured in their Last Waltz documentary.
Huh, that makes him both the 2nd Hawkins, and the 2nd Ronnie, to appear on this page…
Yeah, he basically assembled what eventually became The Band. He also played host to John and Yoko during their Canadian visit of December 1969 (which included a bed-in in Montreal and the meeting with PM Trudeau): 
R.I.P.
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