Heavy Metal

A Look at Notable & Celebrity Deaths from January 2025 Week 3

Here are the most recent deaths in the national news, as reviewed and fact-checked by the Legacy.com news team in the third week of January 2025.

Paul Di’Anno (1958–2024), former Iron Maiden vocalist

Paul Di’Anno was a rock singer-songwriter best known as an early frontman for the legendary band Iron Maiden, performing on their debut and “Killers” albums, as well as co-writing the latter’s title track.

Jack Russell (1960–2024), lead singer for Great White

Jack Russell was a rock singer and musician best known as the co-founder and frontman of Great White, who had a big hit with their cover of Ian Hunter’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” 

Doug Ingle (1945–2024), In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida singer and songwriter

Doug Ingle was a keyboard player who founded the pioneering band Iron Butterfly, for whom he wrote and delivered vocals on the 17-minute rock epic, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.”

Jon Wysocki (1971–2024), original drummer for Staind

Jon Wysocki was the original drummer for the nu metal band Staind, playing on their first seven albums and on such hits as “It’s Been Awhile” and “So Far Away.” 

C.J. Snare (1959–2024), lead singer for FireHouse 

Carl “C.J.” Snare was the lead singer for the hard rock band FireHouse, known for 1990s hits like “Love of a Lifetime” and When I Look into Your Eyes.” 

Paul Cattermole (1977–2023), S Club 7 singer

Paul Cattermole was a singer with the British pop group S Club 7, known for hits including “Never Had a Dream Come True.” 

Gerald Potterton (1931–2022), “Heavy Metal” director 

Gerald Potterton was a director and animator best known for directing the 1981 animated cult classic film “Heavy Metal.”

Steve Grimmett (1959–2022), Grim Reaper lead singer

Steve Grimmett was the lead singer for the British heavy metal band Grim Reaper, known for songs including “See You in Hell.”

Ken Kelly (1946–2022), artist created album covers for KISS  

Ken Kelly was a fantasy artist who created iconic album covers for the rock band KISS including their album ‘Destroyer.’

Trevor Strnad (1981–2022), lead singer for the Black Dahlia Murder

Trevor Strnad was the lead singer for the death metal band the Black Dahlia Murder.

Jon Zazula (1952–2022), record exec who helped launch Metallica

Jon Zazula was the founder of Megaforce Records, Metallica’s first label.

Mike Howe (1965–2021), lead singer for Metal Church

Mike Howe was the lead singer for the heavy metal band Metal Church.

Joey Jordison (1975–2021), founding Slipknot drummer

Joey Jordison was a co-founder and the original drummer for the popular metal band Slipknot.

Jeff LaBar (1963–2021), guitarist for Cinderella

Jeff LaBar was the guitarist for the glam metal band Cinderella, known for hits including “Don’t Know What You Got (Till it’s Gone).”

Johnny Solinger (1965–2021), singer for Skid Row

Johnny Solinger was the singer for the metal band Skid Row from 1999 to 2015.

Marsha Zazula (2021), Megaforce Records co-founder

Marsha Zazula and her husband Jon stared the influential metal label Megaforce Records, releasing albums from Metallica, Anthrax, and Testament.

Riley Gale (2020), Power Trip frontman

Riley Gale was the lead singer for the thrash metal band Power Trip.

Frankie Banali (1951–2020), Quiet Riot drummer    

Drummer for Quiet Riot’s classic hit-making line-up, Frankie Banali also played with W.A.S.P.

Reed Mullin (1966–2020), Corrosion of Conformity drummer

Reed Mullin was the drummer and co-founder of the North Carolina based metal band Corrosion of Conformity.Mullin, guitarist Woody Weatherman, and bassist Mike Dean started the band in 1982. They were originally a hardcore punk band but found greater success after they moved to an alternative metal sound. The band signed with Columbia Records in the '90s and released their biggest commercial record, Deliverance, in 1994.Mullin left the band for a while but returned in 2010.

Larry Wallis (1949–2019), original Motorhead guitarist

Larry Wallis was the original guitarist for legendary metal band Motorhead, though he didn’t continue with the band after their early days.

Fans Are Upset Over Oscars & Grammys 'In Memoriam' Omissions

How come one of your favorites didn't make the tribute?

Vinnie Paul (1964 – 2018), Pantera co-founder and drummer

Vinnie Paul, co-founder and drummer of metal band Pantera, died Friday, June 22, 2018, according to multiple news sources. He was 54.

Mikio Fujioka (2018), guitarist for Japanese band Babymetal

Nicknamed “The Little God” by fans.

Daisy Berkowitz (1968–2017), Marilyn Manson co-founder

The guitarist wrote many songs on Marilyn Manson’s early albums.

Nick Menza (1964 - 2016)

Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza has died at the age of 51 after collapsing on stage.

Phil Taylor (1954–2015)

Former longtime drummer for the British heavy metal band Motorhead.

Ronnie James Dio: Four Songs

When Ronnie James Dio died at 67 in 2010, heavy metal lost one of its most influential voices. In his memory we’re listening to four great songs from throughout his long career.