This Rock Legend's 1991 Death at Age 45 Was Ranked the Most Untimely in Music History
Which rock legend's death was ranked the most "untimely" in music history?
It's the 1991 death of an iconic artist who passed away at the age of 45. Freddie Mercury. That's according to a list of the most untimely rock star deaths in history, which was compiled by Ranker.
"There's no denying that Freddie Mercury possessed an otherworldly charisma and talent for captivating audiences worldwide as the frontman of Queen," Ranker wrote.
"With his distinctive four-octave voice and flamboyant stage presence, he not only forged a unique sound for the band but also pushed the boundaries of rock music through innovative songwriting. Despite losing his battle to AIDS in 1991, Freddie Mercury leaves behind an awe-inspiring legacy that will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike."
Whose Deaths Made the Top 10 After Freddie Mercury?
(Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)
In order, after Freddie Mercury, Ranker listed these rock legends' deaths as the most untimely.
- #2: Jimi Hendrix. He was 27 when he died in 1920. "The guitarist is declared dead on arrival at a local hospital, and a post-mortem finds that he asphyxiated on his own vomit after overdosing on sleeping pills and alcohol," History.com reported.
- #3: Buddy Holly, who died in 1950 at age 22. Holly, Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson all died in a plane crash, according to Fox News, which attributed the crash in part due to the weather.
- #4: Kurt Cobain. He died by suicide in 1994 at the age of 27.
- #5: Bob Marley. He died in 1981 at the age of 36. Marley died of skin cancer that started under his toenail.
- #6: David Bowie, who died of liver cancer in 2016.
- #7: John Lennon, who was shot to death in 1980 at the age of 40.
- #8: Tom Petty, who died of an accidental overdose in 2017. Drugs in his system were "fentanyl, oxycodone, temazepam, alprazolam, citalopram, acetylfentanyl, and despropionyl fentanyl," NPR reported.
- #9: Jim Morrison, who died in 1971 at the age of 27. He was found dead in a Paris bathtub, with the death attributed to natural causes, but there have been calls for a new investigation, Rolling Stone reported.
- #10: Stevie Ray Vaughan, who died in a 1990 helicopter crash at the age of 35.
You can read the full list on the Ranker website.
Freddie Mercury's Cause of Death Was 'Bronchial Pneumonia'
According to History.com, Mercury's cause of death was "bronchial pneumonia caused by AIDS."
Mercury revealed his AIDS diagnosis "just one day before his death," even though he was officially diagnosed in 1987, according to History.com.
However, he "is first reported to have sought medical help for the virus in 1982, while his meteoric music career was still in full swing," the site noted. Rumors hit Mercury in the late 1980s due to cancelled appearances and his gaunt appearance, History.com reported.
Queen and Mercury left behind some of history's greatest rock hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions” and “We Will Rock You."