20 Musicians Who Died At The Age Of 27
D. Boon (Minutemen)
The Minutemen were an influential punk rock band from San Pedro, California. Their frontman and lead guitarist, D. Boon, was noted for his unique funk/blues inspired style. En route to visit his girlfriend’s parents, Boon fell ill with a fever. He laid down in the backseat of his touring van while his girlfriend took the wheel. Sadly, she fell asleep along Arizona’s Interstate 10, flipping the van and ejecting Boon, resulting in his death.
Richey Edwards (Manic Street Preachers)
Richey Edwards was the lyrical driving force behind the Manic Street Preachers. His enigmatic stage persona and forwardness about issues like self-harm, depression and suicide made him popular with Britain’s youth. On February 1st, 1995, he mysteriously disappeared in a case that would captivate the UK public for months. His vehicle was found abandoned near a bridge known for hosting a large number of suicide jumpers, leading many to speculate he took his own life.
Not everyone is convinced, however, as Edwards stated he was committed to life in a 1994 interview. “In terms of the ‘S’ word,” he said. “That does not enter my mind. And it never has done, in terms of an attempt. Because I am stronger than that. I might be a weak person, but I can take pain.”
Unlike the others on this list, the exact date of Edwards’ death is unknown. He was 27 years when he disappeared, and was officially presumed dead in 2008.
Freaky Tah (Lost Boyz)
Freaky Tah is remembered as one of the greatest promoters and hype men in hip-hop history. His gravelly vocals and call-backs were a staple of the Lost Boyz live performances, which helped make the group synonymous with high-energy party jams. Sadly, he would meet a tragic end while leaving New York’s Sheraton Hotel one night in 1999. Setting out for a friend’s birthday party, he was gunned down by a ski-mask wearing assailant, later identified as Kelvin Jones.
Police speculate there may have been a bitter feud between the men or their associates. Jones pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced to fifteen years to life.
Amy Winehouse
The soulful singer-songwriter was discovered unresponsive by her bodyguard. Like fellow “27 Club” member Brian Jones, her death was ruled a “death by misadventure”, as Winehouse had consumed at least three bottles of vodka while potentially suffering from an eating disorder. Her tragic death in 2011 reignited interest in the “27 Club”, with many drawing comparisons to Hendrix, Jones, and Joplin, who had likewise suffered fatal drug interactions.
