Anthony Jackson

June 23, 1952 – October 19, 2025

NYC-born Anthony Jackson was a pioneer of the six-string bass. His career began as a session musician, , and he has credits on more than five hundred albums. “Jackson’s tone, touch and spirit reshaped the language of the bass,” said Nathan East, bassist with Eric Clapton’s band. The 74-year-old Jackson was reportedly suffering with Parkinson’s disease.

Sam Rivers

September 2, 1977 – October 18, 2025

Limp Bizkit are mourning the loss of their “heartbeat” after Sam Rivers passed away aged 48. “Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player – he was pure magic. The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound,” said a statement from the nu-metal giants. No cause of death was announced.

Jack DeJohnette

August 9, 1942 – October 26, 2025

Born in Chicago, Jack DeJohnette was a vastly experienced jazz drummer, pianist and composer whose work with Miles Davis (on the seminal Bitches Brew from 1970) and many other jazz greats made him a leader in his field. He had two Grammy awards to his name, and was inducted to the Modern Drummer Hall Of Fame in 2007. DeJohnette died of congestive heart failure at the age of 83.

Niko Vuorela

Died October 30, 2025

With “unbearable sadness”, the members of Finnish rockers Temple Balls announced the loss of their “brother and guitarist”. Niko Vuorela, 31, had lived with cancer for three years. His contribution to Temple Balls was such that the band are considering whether or not to continue, although they say an album recorded before he passed away will be released.

Danny Francis

August 16, 1950 – October 25, 2025

Paul Stanley has paid tribute to a much loved member of Kiss’s inner circle. London-born Danny Francis was the band’s head of security for more than 30 years, as well as acting as protector, fixer and confidante to the likes of Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin and Bon Jovi. “Danny was my dear friend, assistant and so much more,” Stanley wrote on Instagram, after Francis, aged 74, succumbed to cancer.