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Pylon Guitarist Randy Bewley Dies at 53

Randy Bewley, guitarist and co-founder of new wave band Pylon, died yesterday in an Athens, Georgia, hospital where he was admitted Monday after having a heart attack. He was 53.

The influential band was started by Bewley and bassist Michael Lachowski, while the two were art students at the University of Georgia in 1979. Fellow students Curtis Crowe and Vanessa Briscoe -- who's coincidentally a nurse at the same hospital where Bewley passed -- joined soon after on drums and vocals, respectively. The band released four albums and toured with the Talking Heads and U2, before breaking up in 1983. They reunited in 1989 to tour with fellow Athens band R.E.M., recorded another album and were planning a 30th anniversary show.

Though they never achieved much fame, the band influence many acts in and out of Athens. Fred Schneider of the B-52's told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Pylon was "the best band to ever come out of Athens," while Michael Stipe told AJC that "Randy's guitar playing and attitude was intensely unique, and his influence integral and profound. He will be greatly missed." Bewley leaves behind two sons, and funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

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Dearly Departed Musicians

    Randy Bewley, Feb. 25, 2009: The Pylon guitarist suffered a heart attack while driving. His Athens, GA band inspired many others, including R.E.M., with their disctinctive danceable pop sound.

    Chris McKay, Retna

    Kelly Groucutt, Feb. 19: He provided the bass end to classic ELO hits such as 'Mr. Blue Sky,' 'Do Ya' and 'Livin' Thing.' Groucutt died after having a heart attack, his management confirmed. He was 63.

    Fin Costello, Getty Images

    Louie Bellson, Feb. 14: The American big band drummer, composer and bandleader was 84.

    Evans / Three Lions / Getty Images

    Estelle Bennett, Feb. 11: With her sister Ronnie, left, and cousin Nedra Talley, right, Bennett sang '60s classics like 'Baby, I Love You' and 'Be My Baby' with the legendary Ronettes. She was found dead in her New Jersey home of undetermined causes. She was 67.

    Hulton Archive / Getty Images

    Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, Feb. 9: The "heartbeat" of Cuba's legendary Buena Vista Social Club, a group of semi-retired musicians living in Havana made famous thanks to the work of producer Ry Cooder, died of complications from prostate surgery. He was 76.

    Jose Luis Magana, AP

    Molly Bee, Feb. 7: The yodeling country singer shot to fame with the 1952 novelty hit 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' and later became a familiar face on TV's 'Hometown Jamboree' and 'The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show.' Bee died in California from complications following a stroke at age 69.

    AP

    Lux Interior, Feb. 4: The frontman of the legendary punk band the Cramps passed away due to a pre-existing heart condition.

    Dave Allocca, Getty Images

    Dewey Martin, Jan. 31: The drummer for the short-lived country rock pioneers Buffalo Springfield was found dead in Van Nuys, Calif. The cause of death is unknown. Martin added the backdrop to early hits penned by bandmates Neil Young ('Mr. Soul') and Stephen Stills ('For What It's Worth'). He was 68.

    Getty Images

    Hank Crawford, Jan. 29: The prolific saxophonist, who led Ray Charles' band, played with Jimmy McGriff and had a successful career in his own right, died at his home in Memphis. He was 74.

    Tom Copi, Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    John Martyn, Jan. 29: The acclaimed British singer-songwriter, who worked alongside the likes of Eric Clapton and Phil Collins and released 20 albums throughout a 40-year career, died at a hospital in Ireland. He was 60.

    Samir Hussein, Getty Images

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74 Comments

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barra

so sad.

May 04 2009 at 7:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kathryn merritt

I MISS HIM AND GOOD MUSIC! I REMEMBER OF YOU!PRAY A GOD!

February 27 2009 at 2:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lynda

It is always a shame when someone dies. I am a musician myself and I know the life can be rough. My condolences to the family. The Bible says there will be a resurection of the righteous and those with a good heart condition. John 5:38,39. "All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out" Rest in peace.

February 27 2009 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jim

never hear of him-

February 27 2009 at 1:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
christianx65

oh no

February 27 2009 at 1:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
marc schaeffer

And THAT IS THE TRUTH !!! Only TRUE morons would "throw" time and money repeating WHAT DOESN'T WORK. Isn't the definition of INSANITY "DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS?" Please GO to an AA of NA meeting MR. PRESIDENT and WAKE UP !!!

February 27 2009 at 12:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
marc schaeffer

I wish the President, Vice-president, Nancy Pelosi and less not forget Mr.Harry Reid to "quickly" play "follow the leader" in the sad sequence of "premature" demise !!!

February 27 2009 at 12:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
marc schaeffer

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE???? They way things are headed,
"THE LIVING WILL ENVY THE DEAD !!!"

February 27 2009 at 12:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
airforce1155

Hello! I never heard of him. But Since he was a music maker! Thank you dude!! Thank you!! Play for them with God!

February 27 2009 at 12:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Big Poppa

uh... who?

no care ever

on with the more important news plz

February 26 2009 at 11:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply