Metal Sludge — December 8th will always be a horrible day in the history of rock n’ roll.
John Lennon was murdered by a crazy fan in New York City back in 1980.
A few short years later in 1984, Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley, drummer for the Finnish band Hanoi Rocks was tragically killed in an auto accident.
That car was being driven by Vince Neil of Motley Crue.
Ultimate Classic Rock writes: “The two bands were at a party given in honor of the Finnish band’s first U.S. tour, when Neil and Razzle — both of whom reportedly had already been drinking — decided to make a run to the liquor store. As the car made its way around a winding Hollywood road, Neil lost control of the vehicle and smashed into another car. All involved sustained injuries, but Razzle was less fortunate. He was taken to South Bay Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. He was 24 years old.”
Neil told Blender he should have served time for his crime saying: “I wrote a $2.5 million check for vehicular manslaughter when Razzle died. I should have gone to prison. I definitely deserved to go to prison. But I did 30 days in jail and got laid and drank beer, because that’s the power of cash. That’s f—ed up.”
In a recent Facebook thread L.A. Guns singer Phil Lewis spoke out about the tragedy as the anniversary drew near: “While we’re on the subject. Somber Anniversary VN. F#@k you for killing my friend.”
The comments from Lewis were made in addition to our Metal Sludge article “SHOW NO MERCY” published on December 1st where the L.A. Guns singer poked fun at Neil for not being able to sing well.
Lewis wrote: “Vince has trouble singing his own songs Total hack.”
Sadly the date of December 8th would once again prove to be tragic for music as Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott of the band Damage Plan (Pantera) was murdered on stage in Columbus Ohio in 2004.
Everyone make sure to crank some music today from these great fallen legends.
Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley photo: WikiPedia
Phil Lewis photo: Joe Schaeffer Photography
Vince Neil photo: CBS / Hulton Archive / Getty Images
