Today (Feb. 18) marks the day when some rock stars joined and quit bands, and permanently checked out. Basically, a normal day in the world of rock ‘n roll.
In 1968, David Gilmour joined the British acid rock band Pink Floyd as the band prepared to replace its leader and guitarist Syd Barrett, whose increasingly erratic behavior was negatively impacting the band’s direction. While Gilmour didn’t share Barrett’s creative genius, his inventive guitar work, distinctive vocal delivery and songwriting abilities contributed heavily to band’s mega-successful career.
In 1980, Rolling Stones bass player Bill Wyman announced that he was quitting the “Greatest Rock ‘n Roll Band in the World.” But the stone-faced rocker changed his mind after a band meeting and stayed with the band for another 12 years.
In 1985, Replacements co-founder and guitarist was found dead at the age of 35 in his Minneapolis apartment. He died from organ failure apparently from a long history of substance abuse. Stinson was credited with forming one of the most influential punk bands in the ’80s that led to several successful albums before he was booted from the band.