Performers Who Died In Front Of Their Audiences 

Which of these stars do you miss the most?

A shout out to Christina Grimmie as well. Shot in front of her fans. Too young and extremely talented. R.I.P.

Don’t forget Johnny “Guitar” Watson. In 1996, he collapsed and died on stage, during the first song, at a blues club in Yokohama, Japan. I was only 6 feet away from him. R.I.P, Johnny.

R.I.P. NICK MENZA. I remember the day he died like it was yesterday, I was walking home from school when I saw the news show up on my phone. As soon as I got home I collapsed in my room just crying and I didn't even know Nick personally. He was and still is my drumming hero. Such a talented soul gone too soon.

RIP Dimebag Darrell, my favourite guitarist ever👍And also to his brother Vinnie Paul, one of the greatest musicians to ever grace a set of drums 🤘

Take it easy Dime, We STILL miss you.

These guys actually died doing what they love most. May they rest in peace

Guitarist Mike Scaccia of Ministry suddenly died of a heart attack while playing on stage with Rigor Mortis in December 2012.

In 1996, opera singer Richard Versalle died on stage at the Metropolitan Opera during the company's première performance of The Makropulos Case. He collapsed right after singing the line, "Too bad you can live only so long." No joke...

The background music is way too cheery for this video

14 years ago we lost Dime... gone but never forgotten. A true music legend and all around great guy. Rest in peace.

This just made Tiny Tim even creepier for me just when I didn't think that was possible.

Thanks for not posting any actual footage of any of these tragedies, shows a lot of respect to the fans and families of those we have lost.

My best friend died playing a show. Art Skinner of Fatal Attraction. He was a hell of a lead guitarist. Miss ya buddy.

That's a freak accident stepping on a live wire, wonder if she would have been alright if she had shoes on. Sad.

Actor Sid James died performing at the Sunderland Empire theatre aged 62 from a heart attack in 1976. He died doing what he loved and it’s said that his ghost has been spotted in the theatre that he’d died in and others have reported hearing his laugh in the dressing rooms. RIP Sid James

Martha and Bret Hart in an interview said that Owen did not want to do the stunt that killed him.

I was watching on TV when Tommy Cooper died. It was really surreal with everyone waiting for the punchline before it went to an adbreak. RIP legend.

RIP Nick Menza and Dimebag, two of the greatest metal musicians

Thnx for remembering Dick Shawn....i lived with him for 8 years prior to his death....it was truly heartbreaking...he was far too young to die...but i know that is exactly the way he wanted to go. He was a wonderful person...miss him so much. RIP Richard. Love of my life.

R.I.P to all of these souls who have left this world. You died, and left your mark on this world and we will forever remember you ❤️

Story about Boston's drummer is actually pretty cool . Get diagnosed with cancer but instead of suffering go out a few months later with a heart attack on stage doing what you love

R.i.p. dimebag

You forgot Les Harvey of Stone the Crows. He died onstage in the early 70s from his electric guitar and some ungrounded piece of equipment.

Thank you for not showing live videos of the deaths that happened to get recorded as they happened, preserving the dignity and showing respect for these people.

Is it just me or is this music bed WAAAAY too chipper for the content?

That last one really got me. A talented singer just starting her career, then just like that, she’s gone. Also R.I.P. Dime, one of he best guitar musicians to ever pick up a guitar.

I saw the death of Tommy Cooper on TV and we did think it was part of the act for a while and suddenly a commercial break was announced. Then we knew it was something serious.

I've heard that death while performing can be a "total"way to go. That is, you died with your boots on and doing what you loved.

As a WWE fan, the Owen Hart one hit close to home.

For us old-timers, there was Nelson Eddy of the infamous 1930's duet couple with Jeannette MacDonald. Nelson was performing live on stage when he suddenly collapsed of a massive heart attack at the age of 65.

Owen's death was preventable and the WWF, yes WWF, is to blame.

Thank you for not showing footage of their actual collapse. May God be with them all so many die so young.

What about Jackie Wilson? He had a fatal heart attack while singing the best-known line from his signature song: "My heart is crying, crying lonely teardrops."

Dimebag and Menza... You are missed R.I.P

Legendary Congolese singer Papa Wemba died while performing on stage in Côte d'Ivoire in 2016

R.I.P to all of them😭🌷

Dimes to this day and all of history is still the most tragic, I met him in 98, bless his soul man, a part of me died with him!

My best friend, our frontman acoustic guitarist handed me an envelope as we went onstage saying read it later. During our third song of Christian Rock...in a big church...on a Sunday, he turned to me, winked as he mouthed "Via Con Dios" then dropped dead collapsing onto his brand new Taylor Guitar. What a beautiful wsy to go Johnnie Madrid. And the note in the emvelope I forgot about until later that night said..."Until we play again my brother".

I want to remember Mango, singer songwriter of great fame in Italy. He fell ill on stage the 7th of December 2014 while performing his most famous song, "Oro", and died a little while later. He was a great musician and singer.

The French organist and composer Louis Vierne died at the end of one of his own recitals at the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris in 1937. He was about to play an encore when he pitched forward with his foot on the bottom E of the pedals.

I remember when that happened with Owen Heart so vividly. My brother and all his friends were HUGE wrestling fans so they would go to each others' houses whenever there were events, and we were all hanging out at a friend's house down the way. They were all just stuck.... some of the kids were crying. It was truly sad because most of them were dealing with the reality of death for the first time. Tragic.

J.r was calling Owen hearts match. I remember him talking it through as they worked on owen. The poor guy was heart broke watching his friend take his last breaths.

Stone The Crows guitarist and co-founder Les Harvey was electrocuted onstage in front of a live audience at Swansea's Top Rank Suite in May 1972. Wires to the group's equipment were reportedly damaged by the audience and although the road crew attempted to repair the damage, they overlooked a loose ground wire. Harvey received a jolt of electricity as he reached for a microphone while his fingers touched the metal strings on his guitar. His body reportedly flew into the air and came to rest with his guitar in contact with the microphone stand. Bandmates who tried to rescue him reportedly got shocked themselves and it wasn't until someone kicked his guitar away that medical personnel were able to render aid. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Philip "Snakefinger" Lithman deserves a mention here as well. He had a major heart attack while playing a concert in Austria with his band The Vestal Virgins, at the age of 38. He was a longtime collaborator with The Residents, and also released some very unique and (sometimes) abrasive solo material. Definitely check him out if you haven't before. RIP Snakefinger

Kudos for mentioning Tommy Cooper was Welsh. He was born there, but grew up in London, England, so spoke with an English accent.

My grandparents and I saw Tommy Cooper check out. We too, thought it was part of his act... just his shins and feet were on the audience side of the curtain, then it became obvious something had happened when he was pulled out of sight. Doing what he loved...

In January 2020, the great American singer-songwriter David Olney died on stage during a performance at a festival in Florida. The 71-year-old was mid-song when he apologised, closed his eyes and fell silent, two musicians who were performing alongside him said. Unfortunately this was just a sign of things to come for the year 2020. 🎤 😢

Milli Vanilli also died live on stage, but not really… You know what I mean.

Colonel Bruces death really is tragic but I think he died in a better way than most, he had played music his entire life and died surrounded by friends and fans while the music he loved played him out

What does it take to create wonderful melodies and poetry that come together with John Prine? We will have eternity to answer that question. John, you passed to another place before so many could and did appreciate your contribution. I will miss you, but hope your family keeps comfort in having had the privilege of sharing your brilliance.

I remember Tiny Tim saying he didn’t think he would die on stage.

I had the privilege of knowing Col. Bruce Hampton. Getting to see him and his band perform on a regular basis was a gem in my upbringing. He was one of the most interesting people I ever had the honor of getting to know. I'll never forget when I met him, he literally knew my birthday before he even knew my name. He was truly in touch with something beyond this world. We miss you so much Bruce. Rest in Zambi.

my bandmate died on stage during a show. Its been years but I still think about it a lot. one of the worst days of my life. its a rough thing to go through man

I remember watching Tommy Cooper on TV that fateful night. It was such a shock, realising that the fall wasn't part of the act and how the curtains closed and there was a sudden break in the programme. I called my mum who said she hadn't seen it. She usually watched but was a bit busy that evening, thank goodness. Tommy Cooper was one of her favourite comedians.

Dimebag's murder broke my heart!!! His group Damageplan was just getting started... I love their 1 cd... Still play it when I want to rock out!!!!

I saw Tommy Cooper die on TV when I was a kid. Tragic.

I gave a 👍 to you, and to all your hard work. I know the empty sad feeling that everyone at each show felt. My wife and I saw George Carlin’s last show he gave. Just knowing that was his last show still makes me feel empty. Enjoy your time, it truly goes fast.

I was watching the show live on TV when Tommy Cooper died. The audience was laughing as he fell - thinking it was part of the act. Tommy certainly died what he loved doing most.

I just immediately thought of Menza and Dimebag… Rest In Peace guys 🤘🏼

There's also Sid James who died on stage performing in a play.

I watched Tommy Cooper die live on stage i was 11 at the time.

I remember watching Tommy Cooper, it was live. I was a little girl and I will never forget it.

on the first sunday of january 2017 i was playing bass at my church, the pastor went into his closing prayer and we usually back him with a little music and go into our ending song when he finished his prayer we were starting the last song and i blacked out and fell into a bunch of plants we had for décor ... i kinda understand what it must feel like to die on stage... and it actually felt peaceful until i came to moments later and realized everyone was freaking out people were yelling and so much commotion lots and lots of people praying out loud, looked kinda like a charismatic church ... my father and a nurse in the congregation rushed to stage first and a doctor who had been my physician as a child also rushed to stage... i could hear my mom getting very hysterical and panicking ... the ambulance came and took me to the hospital where unfortunately they werent able to tell me what had caused the issue... while i didnt die i did feel like dying when i recieved the medical bill for ER and the ambulance =o

The Owen Hart tragedy still upsets me now. He didn't want to do that gimmick but WWE pressured him. :(

Here's one: Leonard Warren, an opera singer, was on stage performing Verdi's "La Forza Del Destino" (the power of destiny) when on a high note, he collapsed and died.

Leslie Harvey was a Scottish guitarist and co-founder of Stone the Crows in late 1969, and was the brother of Alex Harvey, founding member of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Earlier in 1969, Harvey joined Scottish band Cartoone and accompanied Cartoone on their live tour of the United States supporting Led Zeppelin. They also supported the US band Spirit in 1969. John Lee Hooker, whose songs both Harvey and Cartoone used to cover on their tour of the UK, was their opening act. It was while on stage with Stone the Crows at Swansea Top Rank in 1972, that he was electrocuted after touching a microphone that was not grounded. A roadie attempted to unplug the mic, but was unsuccessful. Harvey died from his injuries on May 3rd, 1972, aged 27.

Comedic actor Joe E. Ross (known for his signature phrase, "Ooo! Ooo!" and being in the TV Series "Car 54, Where Are You?" also died of a heart attack in front of a live audience. He is buried at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills. Jay Leno delivered the eulogy. His epitaph reads, "This man had a ball."

A few seconds befor you die is when you understand what life was all about anyway.I almost jumped off a building but so happy i passed on it.My life of comming out of hell took some time but now I want to be around.

I miss CountryDick Montana The Drummer and singer from the Beat Farmers. Died onstage in ‘95.

Dimebag died with a guitar in his hand. I feel like he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Many years ago, baritone Leonard Warren was performing at the Metropolitan Opera and died during the performance.

Had no idea that Tiny Tim died in front of an audience

r.i.p. to them all.😢.

Hey everyone, this may have already been said, but no matter who your favorite is, we've lost way too many great musicians over the past few years and it makes me very sad. Too sad to put into words for that matter! R.I.P. to all and my condolences to all their survivors.

Stone The Crows guitarist Leslie Harvey died on stage in 1972 after being electrocuted by an amplifier. The actor Sid James died in 1976 after suffering a heart attack on stage.

I went to college for vocal performance, before that last lady died, and I went onstage barefoot and got in trouble because they didn’t want me to get shocked. Then, in 2017, I was at a show were the venue was supposedly haunted, and the singer of the opening band was taunting the ghosts. He said something like “If you’re here, just kill me right now!” And said that they were cowards. During the next song, he had a cup of water next to his mic stand tip over and he was singing in a small puddle. He kept jumping and it would make little splashes. I seriously had to close my eyes and keep looking away because I was so scared he was gonna get shocked. He didn’t notice the water ‘til the song was over, and was like ohhh shit. They got someone with a towel to clean it up and everything went fine. But I was on the rail all the way at the front, just absolutely terrified that this guy was gonna shock himself in front of a sold out crowd. 😰

That's make me think about artists who died so alone after their fame faded away...

I was there when Tommy Cooper collapsed, some of the audience laughed believing it to be a stunt, sadly I was very close and could plainly see he had passed. RIP TOMMY❤️❤️🌹

RIP all celebrities mentioned here. Overdue condolences to all families :-(

RIP all those performers who left this world too soon :(

The Rock-world hasn't been the same since Dime was taken away from us. God bless your soul Darrell Abbott.

Rip tiny Tim so little known but missed by all of us may he rest in peace maybe now I might play his songs what are so positive and happy we love u and never forget others

"Grandpa Jones" of Hee Haw,had a stroke while performing on the Grand Ole Opry Stage,and died backstage 1998.

I like how the music background is peaceful while talking about deaths of people...

I seen Tommy Cooper die live on TV, The most disturbing part was the gurgling sounds he was making which sounded more like he was snoring. RIP Tommy

In a school concert when I was about 8 2 of my classmates performed highland cathedral on the pipes with their 2 pipe teachers. At the end of the piece while the audience were clapping, the older pipe teacher fell backward stiff as a board. People laughed thinking it was a gag but soon the concert hall was vacated and the ambulance arrived. He died 3 days later and it saddens me that I don’t remember the guy’s name. But as if highland cathedral isn’t melancholic enough to make you cry on its own, it always reduces me to a teary wreck when I hear it and think about that poor chap.

This is really my favourite Channel! Thanks for your nice Videos, it is very enlightening, I am going to share with my friends. Glen Edyth Drive Parkette

Bruce was my mentor, Rest In Peace man.

dimebag

Well that's a bit disappointing. I was expecting the actual footage.

These stories get you in the feels.

I was at a meat loaf concert a few years ago and he fell on stage. Tripped I think but he has a really bad back and struggled really hard to get up until a stagehand finally came to help him up. Nobody seemed to notice it and it was scary as hell.

"We spend out time because it's the only coin that Life will accept. We never know how much we have, or how far it will take us. So, spend your time wisely."

my mum remembers watching tommy cooper on telly when he died, she was about 10, must have been unsettling to watch

I painted dime bag darrel... I am 71 years old, it is for my son... it was so well done that it is wanted by many and I am a professional and sell many pieces of many varieties of art....I painted a Darrel as my son requested it and a Mom does anything at all for her son, he had the most colorful wavy curled long hai, Darrel,was so incredible....May he Rest In Peace....

Nick Menza was a great drummer, but had been a speed addict for many years.

I saw an interview with Mickey Hart , Grateful Dead drummer ,where he was asked how long he planned on performing before retitring! His answer was that he would rather drop on stage doing what he loved to do , than to drop at home in front of the tv. with a beer in your hand! Truer words were never spoken!!!!

This was great.

Great video, but the background music?