Pioneer Archives - Loyal Conservatives

Psychedelic Rock Pioneer James Lowe of The Electric Prunes Passes Away at 82, Leaving a Legacy of Musical Innovation

Los Angeles — James Lowe, the visionary lead singer and founding member of the influential psychedelic rock band the Electric Prunes, died on May 22 at the age of 82. Family members announced through the band’s social media that he passed away from natural causes, surrounded by loved ones and the melodies that defined his career. The Electric Prunes, established by Lowe in 1965 in Los Angeles, initially emerged from an earlier ensemble known as …

Music World Mourns the Loss of Roger McLachlan, Pioneer Bassist and Beloved Member of Little River Band

Auckland, New Zealand — Roger McLachlan, the distinguished original bassist for the iconic Little River Band and a revered figure in the music communities of both Australia and New Zealand, has died. He was 71. McLachlan’s death on April 16, 2025, followed a quiet battle with pancreatic cancer, a matter he chose to keep private, sharing only with close family and a few friends. Michael Oliphant, leader of McLachlan’s later band, Late for Breakfast, confirmed …

Rock Pioneer Larry Tamblyn of The Standells Passes Away at 82, Leaves Legacy of Classic Hits and Influential Music

Los Angeles — Larry Tamblyn, the celebrated keyboardist and founding member of the iconic 1960s rock band The Standells, known for the hit “Dirty Water,” has died at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his nephew, Dennis Tamblyn, through a heartfelt social media tribute this past Saturday. Tamblyn, who seamlessly combined garage rock with raw vocal energy, left an indelible mark on the music industry, especially endearing himself to Boston sports fans …

British Hip-Hop Pioneer Samantha Lawrence of Wee Papa Girl Rappers Passes Away at 55

LONDON — Samantha Lawrence, an iconic force in British hip-hop known by her stage name TY Tim, died on December 1, 2024, at age 55. As one half of the Wee Papa Girl Rappers, Lawrence, alongside her sister Sandra, captured the musical imagination of a generation. The duo is credited with catapulting the genre into the mainstream, mixing traditional sounds with fresh beats. The family stated that her death was due to complications from secondary …

Phil Lesh, Grateful Dead Pioneer and Bass Virtuoso, Dies at 84

Marin County, CA – Phil Lesh, a seminal figure in rock music and a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died peacefully at his home on Friday morning, surrounded by family. He was 84. Born Philip Chapman Lesh on March 15, 1940 in Berkeley, California, Lesh was instrumental in redefining the role of the bass guitar in rock music. With his nearly 30-year career with the Grateful Dead, he shifted the bass from its traditional …