February 13

 Peter Gabriel

February 13, 1950. The progressive rock landscape shifted when Peter Gabriel fronted Genesis as their charismatic lead vocalist and flautist from 1967 through 1975. Renowned for his surreal costumes and narrative lyrical depth, he acted as the primary focal point during the creation of landmark albums like Selling England by the Pound. Beyond his singing, he occasionally utilized the oboe and accordion to enhance the ensemble's elaborate arrangements.

After departing the group, he launched a solo career in 1977 that prioritized sonic experimentation over traditional structures. Through four consecutive self-titled releases, he explored diverse rhythms and industrial atmospheres while integrating the Fairlight CMI into his arrangements. By the close of 1980, he had redefined himself as a solo powerhouse through haunting compositions and a commitment to global rhythmic influences.

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Bob Daisley

February 13, 1950. Bob Daisley performed as the bassist for Kahvas Jute on their 1970 debut before joining Chicken Shack in 1972. He later served as the bassist for Widowmaker from 1975 to 1977, recording two studio albums. In 1977, he became the bassist for Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, contributing to the Long Live Rock 'n' Roll record. By 1979, he joined the Blizzard of Ozz as the bassist and lyricist, co-writing and performing on the 1980 debut album featuring singer Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Randy Rhoads.

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Paul Jeffreys

February 13, 1952 – December 21, 1988. Paul Jeffreys served as the bassist for Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel from 1972 to 1974, performing on the influential album The Psychomodo. He later functioned as the bassist for Be-Bop Deluxe during 1974 and joined the band Warm Jets in the late seventies. Tragically, he and his wife, Rachel, passed away on December 21, 1988, while traveling for their honeymoon. They were passengers aboard Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie due to a terrorist bombing.

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Ed Gagliardi

February 13, 1952 – May 11, 2014. Foreigner recruited bass guitarist Ed Gagliardi to anchor their rhythm section during the band's initial climb to global stardom. Joining the lineup in 1976, he stayed until 1979, delivering the driving low-end frequencies found on their massive debut record and the follow-up smash, Double Vision. His signature style involved playing a Rickenbacker with a pick, contributing significantly to the sophisticated textures of the group’s early stadium anthems while also providing essential backing vocal harmonies during their high-energy tours.

In 1980, the melodic rock landscape shifted for Ed Gagliardi when he teamed up with Al Greenwood to establish the group Spys. This transition allowed him to maintain his influence over the evolving arena rock sound as the decade closed. Although his time with his former bandmates had concluded, his contributions remained a vital part of the sonic blueprint that defined the late seventies radio experience.

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Scott Smith

February 13, 1955 – November 30, 2000. Scott Smith served as the bassist for Loverboy from 1979 to 2000. During the late seventies, he provided the foundational low end for the group's self-titled debut, which featured iconic rock anthems. His tenure concluded tragically on November 30, 2000, when a rogue wave swept him overboard while he was sailing near the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite extensive searches, he was never found and remains lost at sea.

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