Guitarist Dick Wagner unfortunately passed away yesterda, at the age of 71 in Phoenix. The guitarist was very well known in the classic rock community, having worked with Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, KISS, Aerosmith, and many more in his prolific career.
Wagner had recently undergone heart surgery, and contracted a lung infection thereafter. While he remained optimistic, saying “I can’t wait to play for you all again one day soon” — signed “Dick’N THE ICU,” Wagner was unable to survive the infection.
Several colleagues and former bandmates have released statements in regards to Wagner’s passing, including Gene Simmons, who said, “Dick Wagner was the consummate gentleman axeman. (He) will be missed.” Paul Stanley commented as well, saying “Dick was a stellar player and his work with Steve Hunter on Lou Reed’s Rock&Roll Animal is legendary. He also did great work with Alice Cooper and uncredited ghosting on Destroyer and albums by some of our contemporaries. A huge talent with a huge tone and huge heart. A great unsung hero.”
Strong praise from rock and roll legends.
Wagner avoided the spotlight for most of his career, opting instead to compliment the unique talents of musicians like Alice Cooper and Lou Reed. Wagner was pivotal in the session recordings for the School’s Out Alice Cooper album in 1972, and worked on the self-titled Aerosmith album. Commenting on his role in a recent interview, Wagner said: “Being a sideman was a definite choice I made. I always wanted to kind of be out front, but at heart I’m kind of shy. Being a star is not a big thing to me. I wouldn’t want to be Alice Cooper and go through life like he does.”
Dick Wagner was a talented and accomplished musician, and he will be sorely missed. Our condolences to Wagner’s loved ones.
[Via Billboard]