Every time a musician leaves this planet, a part of our souls eviscerate. To find out that some artist who helped you with his/her music is not with us anymore is heartbreaking, and no distasteful RIP on social media can mellow the sorrow. When it comes to death of musicians, 2016 was truly cruel (Leonard Cohen, Prince, David Bowie, George Michael) and it can only be compared with 1970/1971 when we lost Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Louis Armstrong in a period of only 11 months. Last year was also harsh, as our world was left without some music giants, but also some less known musicians who were still influential in certain circles.
One of the biggest artists who passed away in 2017 was Chuck Berry, rock 'n' roll icon, who paved the way for many brilliant musicians. John Lennon once said for him: "If we were to come up with another name for rock 'n' roll, it would be Chuck Berry." He was often proclaimed the most influential rock artist of all time. One thing is for sure - modern music would not sound the same If Chuck didn't create what he created. In his abundant career, he released 28 records and ten live albums. He died at the age of 90.
We also lost Chris Cornell, a phenomenal singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave. Cornell was also a founder of Temple of the Dog, a band which was a part of the first grunge wave. Chris' departure was truly a departure of a giant, and many have noticed how grunge is slowly losing all of its legends.
On the day when Chris Cornell would celebrate his 53rd birthday, we have heard another sad news. His friend Chester Bennington killed himself. Known for his work in Linkin Park, Chester will be remembered as a kind soul, and his death will always be connected to Cornell's. These two artists would probably offer much more to this world If they continued to live.
Personally, I took Tom Petty's death the hardest. Another great musician whose legendary status is yet to be determined. Alongside his primary group Tom Petty and the Heartbreaks, he also played in a supergroup Traveling Wilburys comprised of Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne.
This year started with death of Dolores O'Riordan, and even though we all know death is inevitable part of life, I really do hope 2018 is going to be more alive.
