Nell Smith (2007–2024), young singer with the Flaming Lips

Nell Smith was a singer known for her 2021 collaboration with the Flaming Lips, released when she was just 14 years old. 

Steve Albini (1962–2024), uncompromising music producer

Steve Albini was a musician and music producer whose uncompromising beliefs and back-to-basics approach helped capture the sound of acts like Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey, and Bush.

Angela McCluskey (1960–2024), frontwoman of Wild Colonials

Angela McCluskey was a singer and musician best known as the frontwoman of the ‘90s group Wild Colonials, and who collaborated with such artists as Morgan Page, Télépopmusik, , and Kendrick Lamar.0

Teresa Taylor (1962–2023), drummer for Butthole Surfers

Teresa Taylor was a drummer for Butthole Surfers, an influential underground rock band out of Texas, best known for their wild experiments and their crossover hit, “Pepper.” 

Blackie Onassis (1965–2023), drummer for Urge Overkill 

Blackie Onassis was a drummer for Chicago-based alternative rock band Urge Overkill during their most successful period. 

Andy Rourke (1964–2023), bassist for the Smiths 

Andy Rourke was the bassist for the British band the Smiths, known for their melodic ‘80s indie rock.

Rob Laakso (1979–2023), Kurt Vile collaborator in the Violators 

Rob Laakso was a multi-instrumentalist indie musician who was a longtime member of the Violators and a key collaborator with Kurt Vile, in addition to working with bands like Swirlies and Mice Parade.

Vivian Trimble (1963–2023), keyboardist for Luscious Jackson

Vivian Trimble was the keyboardist and a pivotal member of the alternative group Luscious Jackson, best known for their song, “Naked Eye.”

Jeremiah Green (1977–2022), Modest Mouse drummer 

Jeremiah Green was the drummer for the indie rock band Modest Mouse, known for hits including “Float On.”

Mimi Parker (1967–2022), singer and drummer for Low

Mimi Parker was the drummer and co-vocalist for the indie rock band Low, known for their slow and ethereal music.

Paul Ryder (1964–2022), Happy Mondays bassist

Paul Ryder was the founding bassist for Happy Mondays, one of the leading bands in the Madchester music scene on the 1980s and ‘90s.

Dan Sartain (1981–2021), indie singer and songwriter

Dan Sartain was an indie singer and songwriter whose music encompassed rockabilly, punk, blues, electronica, and more.

Kim Shattuck (1963–2019), lead singer for the Muffs also performed with the Pixies and NOFX

Kim Shattuck was the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the Muffs, a punk band that had 1990s hits including “Lucky Guy” and a cover of Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America.”

Daniel Johnston (1961–2019), influential quirky singer-songwriter

Kurt Cobain and Sonic Youth were fans of his music.

Grant Hart (1961–2017), co-founder of the influential indie rock band Husker Du

Drummer, co-songwriter and vocalist for the band that influenced Green Day, Nirvana and others.

Kevin Garcia (1975–2017), Grandaddy bassist

Bassist co-founded the indie rock band Grandaddy.

Thomas Fekete (1988–2016), Surfer Blood guitarist

Guitarist co-founded the alt rock band Surfer Blood.

Paul Hester's Crowded House

If you know the name Paul Hester, chances are good that you know more than one song he played drums on...