celebrity deaths

Sad news today, as legendary film and stage actor Peter O'Toole has passed away in London at the age of 81. The Irish actor, who just announced his retirement last year, was known for his work in films like 'Lawrence of Arabia,' 'The Lion in Winter,' 'Goodbye Mr. Chips,' and the 2006 film 'Venus,' for which he was nominated for an Academy Award.

The members and fans of Swedish hard rock band Nasty Idols suffered a nasty shock on Dec. 5, when singer Andy Pierce passed away suddenly after suffering a brain hemorrhage at the age of 45.

Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95. Mandela, who was South Africa’s first black president, was a symbol against racial oppression over the past few decades, and has been championed by various rock stars since the '80s.

It is with heavy hearts that we bring you this tragic news at the end of the holiday weekend -- 'Fast and Furious' star Paul Walker has passed away at the age of 40. Walker, who was working on 'Fast and Furious 7' with Vin Diesel and director James Wan, was killed in a car explosion in California on Saturday afternoon.

John Tavener, a British composer who recorded for the Beatles' Apple Records, has died. The popular classical musician was 69.

Billy Adamson, a prolific session drummer whose career highlights included a nearly 30-year stint with the Searchers, has passed away.

A tragic story from outside the classic-rock realm has shocked the entire music world today. Four musicians -- including two members of a rock band named the Yellow Dogs -- are dead after a horrific murder-suicide that took place early this morning in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Lee Crystal, who played drums for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts during their most commercially successful period in the '80s, has died. He passed away from complications from multiple sclerosis, which he was diagnosed with in 1993.

Blues rock guitarist Bobby Parker, whose iconic 'Watch Your Step' riff directly influenced classic songs by the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and many other famous artists, has died at the age of 76.

Founding Climax Blues Band guitarist Pete Haycock has died at the age of 62 of an apparent heart attack, according to a post on the group's official website.

There is now a confirmation of the cause of Lou Reed’s death. It has been revealed that the Velvet Underground and solo star died at his home on Long Island yesterday (Oct. 27) of an ailment that stemmed from his recent liver transplant.

Marcia Wallace, whom many know best as the voice of Mrs. Edna Krabappel on the long-running Fox animated series 'The Simpsons,' has passed away at the age of 70. Wallace, who was also starred on the classic sitcom 'The Bob Newhart Show,' died just one week before her 71st birthday due to complications from breast cancer.