Rich Russo - The King of Free Form Radio.

Ok, so let me get this straight, any musician who dies under any circumstances and is 27 years old gets admitted to the “27 Club”, like it’s some sort of career achievement? And really people, a “club” for those who died? Would the media classify those who died serving our country in a war, part of a “club” or those who perished on 9/11 as part of a “club”, of course not. Those who fought in wars defending our freedom or those who senselessly were taken away from us are heroes and victims, not “club” members.

So let’s end this silliness about the “27 Club”, which was concocted by some stoner in the early 70’s, to bring forth a coincidence of four prominent rock figures who died in a two-year period, who all happened to be age 27.  All of which had achieved legendary status:

Brian Jones, founding member of the Rolling Stones.
Jimi Hendrix, one of the greatest guitarists of all time
Janis Joplin, groundbreaking female vocalist
Jim Morrison, the Doors

When Kurt Cobain killed himself, the media added him to this “club” as if it was some way to connect Cobain to the others. And ooh, here’s a coincidence, Kurt played a lefty guitar and was from Seattle, and so was Jimi Hendrix. Ooh, that’s freaky!

And 17 years after Cobain’s death, Amy Winehouse has died at age 27. And the comparisons to Janis Joplin have started. Based on this pattern in another 17 years some 10 year old kid who is somewhere learning guitar or writing poetry, will either end up as a founding member of a huge band as a guitarist, or he’ll front a different big band, but regardless, he’s dead at 27.

Yeah right.