Rob Buck
Rob Buck posing backstage in 1997
Background information
Birth nameRobert Norman Buck
Born(1958-08-01)August 1, 1958
Jamestown, New York, U.S.
DiedDecember 19, 2000(2000-12-19) (aged 42)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
GenresRock, alternative rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1981–2000
Formerly of

Robert Norman Buck (August 1, 1958 – December 19, 2000) was an American guitarist and founding member of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs. Some of his compositions with Natalie Merchant are among the most popular songs recorded by 10,000 Maniacs, including "What's the Matter Here", "Hey Jack Kerouac", "You Happy Puppet" and "These Are Days".

Early life

Buck was born August 1, 1958, in Jamestown, New York.[1] He graduated from Cassadaga Valley High School in 1976 and received an associate's degree in anthropology from Jamestown Community College.[2]

Career

Buck decided to pursue a career as a professional guitarist after seeing The Jimi Hendrix Story.[2] Buck, Dennis Drew, Steven Gustafson, John Lombardo, and Natalie Merchant formed 10,000 Maniacs in 1981; Buck was the band's lead guitarist.[1]

The band's folk-rock music became popular with college students.[3] Its 1987 album, In My Tribe, sold more than a million copies.[3] In 1989, Blind Man's Zoo reached number 13 on the U.S. charts and was certified gold.[4] Buck was the co-writer of some of the band's best-known songs, including "These Are Days", "Hey Jack Kerouac", and "What's the Matter Here?"[1] He performed with the band at the Inaugural Ball in 1993.[5][3][6] That same year, the band was profiled in Rolling Stone.[3]

Buck was listed in Guitar Player magazine as one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.[2]

Personal life and death

Buck was married to Terri Newhouse from 1979 to 1981.[1]

Buck was airlifted from the WCA Hospital in Jamestown to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital on November 30, 2000.[7] He died of liver disease on December 19, 2000.[2]

Discography

With 10,000 Maniacs
Other credits

References

  1. ^ a b c d Margolis, Lynne (January 6, 2006). "10,000 Maniacs Guitarist Robert Buck Dead at 42". ABC News.
  2. ^ a b c d Anderson, Dale (December 21, 2000). "ROB BUCK, MANIACS GUITARIST, DIES AT 42". The Buffalo News.
  3. ^ a b c d Violanti, Anthony (March 14, 1993). "ALL TOGETHER NOW 10,000 MANIACS IS FINDING NEW SUCCESS BEHIND A UNIFIED FRONT". The Buffalo News.
  4. ^ "10,000 Maniacs Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  5. ^ O'toole, Caitlin (June 17, 1998). "10,000 Maniacs Guitarist Dead at 42". People.com.
  6. ^ Greene, Andy (January 17, 2017). "Flashback: U2 and REM Join Forces for Bill Clinton Inauguration". RollingStone.com.
  7. ^ Basham, David (December 20, 2000). "10,000 Maniacs Guitarist Rob Buck Dies Of Liver Failure". MTV News.

External links

10,000 Maniacs
Authority control databases
Categories