The “27 Club” is a term used to refer to a group of notable musicians and artists who tragically died at the age of 27. This phenomenon has captured public fascination due to the talent and potential these individuals possessed. While the concept of the 27 Club is more of a cultural myth than a formal group, there are several notable members who have contributed to its notoriety. Here is a list of some prominent members of the 27 Club, along with their dates of death and causes:
Brian Jones (1942–1969)
Founding member of The Rolling Stones. Died on July 3, 1969, due to drowning in a swimming pool, with drug use as a contributing factor.
Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970)
Acclaimed guitarist and singer-songwriter. Died on September 18, 1970, due to a barbiturate overdose.
Janis Joplin (1943–1970)
Influential blues-rock singer. Died on October 4, 1970, due to a heroin overdose.
Jim Morrison (1943–1971)
Lead vocalist of The Doors. Died on July 3, 1971, with the cause of death listed as heart failure, although the exact circumstances remain controversial.
Kurt Cobain (1967–1994)
Frontman of the band Nirvana. Died on April 5, 1994, due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Amy Winehouse (1983–2011)
British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice. Died on July 23, 2011, due to alcohol poisoning.
Robert Johnson (1911–1938)
Blues musician. Died on August 16, 1938, due to unknown causes, though legend suggests poisoning.
Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson (1943–1970)
Founding member of the band Canned Heat. Died on September 3, 1970, due to a barbiturate overdose.
Ron “Pigpen” McKernan (1945–1973)
Founding member of the Grateful Dead. Died on March 8, 1973, due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage resulting from alcohol abuse.
Kristen Pfaff (1967–1994)
Bassist for the band Hole. Died on June 16, 1994, due to a heroin overdose.
Richey Edwards (1967–1995)
Rhythm guitarist and lyricist for the Manic Street Preachers. Disappeared on February 1, 1995, and was declared presumed dead on November 23, 2008. The exact circumstances of his death remain unknown.
Anton Yelchin (1989–2016)
Actor known for his role in the Star Trek reboot series. Died on June 19, 2016, due to a freak accident involving his vehicle.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988)
American artist known for his graffiti-inspired works. Died on August 12, 1988, due to a heroin overdose.
Jonathan Brandis (1976–2003)
Actor known for his role in the TV series “SeaQuest DSV” and the film “Ladybugs.” Died on November 12, 2003, by suicide.
Pete de Freitas (1961–1989)
Drummer for the band Echo & the Bunnymen. Died on June 14, 1989, in a motorcycle accident.
Pete Ham (1947–1975)
Singer-songwriter and guitarist of the band Badfinger. Died on April 24, 1975, by suicide.
Gary Thain (1948–1975)
Bassist for the band Uriah Heep. Died on December 8, 1975, due to a heroin overdose.
Mia Zapata (1965–1993)
Lead singer of the punk band The Gits. Died on July 7, 1993, due to homicide.
Alexandre Levy (1864–1892)
Brazilian composer and pianist. Died on January 17, 1892, due to a heart attack.
Kristian “Gaahl” Espedal (1975–2008)
Norwegian musician known for his work with the band Gorgoroth. Died on July 7, 2008, by suicide.
Chris Bell (1951–1978)
Musician and founding member of the band Big Star. Died on December 27, 1978, in a car accident.
D. Boon (1958–1985)
Guitarist and vocalist for the punk band Minutemen. Died on December 22, 1985, in a van accident.
Linda Jones (1944–1972)
Soul singer known for her hit songs. Died on March 14, 1972, due to complications from diabetes.
Richard Manuel (1943–1986)
Musician and member of The Band. Died on March 4, 1986, by suicide.
Piggy (1968–1997)
Guitarist for the band Voivod. Died on August 26, 1997, due to colon cancer.
Tyler Skaggs (1991-2019)
The final name on our list isn’t a musician, but a professional baseball star who died in his prime. Asphyxia due to drug use.
While these are some of the most prominent members, it is worth noting that there are other musicians and artists who have also passed away at the age of 27, contributing to the 27 Club mythology. The phenomenon has sparked discussions about the pressures of fame, the destructive nature of substance abuse, and the vulnerabilities of creative individuals.
