Dick-Wagner-Obituary

Dick Wagner

1942 - 2014

Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) - Dick Wagner, the skilled guitarist who worked with Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Kiss and Aerosmith, and also co-wrote many of Cooper's hits, died of respiratory failure Wednesday, his personal manager and business partner said Friday. He was 71.

Read what others are saying about Dick Wagner.

Susan Michelson, Wagner's partner in Desert Dreams Productions, said the performer died at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center in Arizona. He had been there for three weeks, Michelson said.

Wagner was born on Dec. 14, 1942, and grew up in Michigan. His website said he went on tour with Reed in 1973 and joined Cooper a year later. He co-wrote the Cooper hits "Only Women Bleed," ''You and Me" and "I Never Cry." He also worked as Cooper's musical director.

Wagner's website said the guitarist had many health issues, surviving two heart attacks, a stroke, a paralyzed left arm, kidney failure and diabetes.

"Dick had a huge heart, which is perhaps why it gave him so much trouble, it w as simply too full of love, of music and life," Wagner's family and Desert Dreams said in a joint statement. "His creativity and passion will live on forever in the legacy he has left for us, in his music and his words. We have so much of him to celebrate."

Wagner formed the band The Bossmen in Michigan, but had his first real taste of success came with the band The Frost, whose albums placed on the Billboard charts.

He then moved to New York and formed Ursa Major, a short-lived band that included Wagner on guitar and Billy Joel on keyboard. Wagner's website said drama in "Billy's personal life intervened and he left the band."

Wagner eventually relocated to Phoenix and started Desert Dreams in 2005 with Michelson, whom he met in the late 1970s when working with Cooper.

Wagner is survived by his daughter, Jasmine Dreame Wagner, and his sons, Robert Wagner and Mark Schuknecht. A memorial in Michigan is being planned, Michelson said.

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MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer


Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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I was an 18 year old lead guitar player in a band named Tramp. We backed up Dick Wagner and the frost at The Crazy Horse. We had converted a school bus into a painted black band bus. I thought he was the best guitarist I´ve ever seen. During a break Dick came into our bus and we talked guitar, I´ll never forget it. Thanks Dick.

My condolences to Robert Wagner and his family.
I am very sad to hear of Mr Wagner's passing.
I had the honor of knowing him and being his apartment manager where his sons lived at the time, in San Antonio, Texas.
I will never forget that awesome smile and the laughs we shared .
RIP Mr Wagner.

-Clemen ( San Antonio, Texas)

My condolences to the entire music world for the passing of Dick Wagner, especially to his wonderful friend and Dessert Dream partner, Susan Michelson.

My beloved friend, I'm so grateful for the times we shared on the road with John Bradshaw, I'm so grateful that you were able to share "Remember the Child" with thousands of people at his workshops. It is truly your greatest legacy. I love you, I will always miss you. God keep you in His loving Arms.

It was such an honor to e able to play on stage with you in the late sixties and something that I will always remember I'm sure that one day we will be playing again in Heaven, God Bless you for all the wonderful years.

What a privelege to see Dick after 50 years in Owosso. He was amazing and all of those playing or singing were extraordinary. His talent never ceased and I am sure he is serenading in heaven. ??
Rest in peace!

I was so honored to know and work with Dick Wagner. He was a great musician, humanitarian, and friend.

You left your mark and left the world a better place with love and music. Carry on Maestro let heaven enjoy you now.