AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 02: (L-R) Cody Johnson, Slash, and Billy Gibbons perform onstage during the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
A lineup of rock legends got together at the CMT Awards to pay tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Skynyrd’s founder and leader, guitarist Gary Rossington, of course, died last month. The tribute was led by singer Paul Rodgers, formerly of Bad Company and Free. Cody Johnson sang as well. Slash from Guns N’ Roses, Warren Haynes from Gov’t Mule and the Allman Brothers Band and Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top were among the guitarists. Chuck Leavell, the longtime Rolling Stones keyboardist (and a former member of the Allman Brothers Band). LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd both sang backing vocals. They were introduced by Peter Frampton, who frequently toured with Skynyrd.
The group started with “Simple Man,” and then played “Sweet Home Alabama,” with Haynes and Gibbons singing as well. Rimes and Judd were the true vocal stars of the performance though. Skynyrd’s Rickey Medlocke and Johnny Van Zant watched from the audience.
It wasn’t the only rock moment at the show. Judd and Ashley McBryde covered Foreigner’s “I Want To Know What Love Is.” Gwen Stefani was joined by Carly Pearce for her No Doubt classic, “Just A Girl.” Alanis Morissette sang her classic “You Oughta Know” joined by Ingrid Andress, Lainey Wilson, Madeline Edwards, and Morgan Wade. And in a nod to the fact that the show took place in Austin, Texas, Gary Clark Jr. performed “The House Is Rockin’,” in tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan. And Darius Rucker joined forces with the Black Crowes to perform their classic, “She Talks To Angels.”
Celebrity Deaths 2023: Musicians, Entertainers & Cultural Figures We Lost
We’ve had to say goodbye to some big names this year in the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics and beyond. To be frank, it was an absolutely brutal year.
So many giants in music died in 2023. Guitar god Jeff Beck died suddenly in January at age 78 after contracting bacterial meningitis. In February, legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach died at age 94. Singer, actor and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte died in April at age 96 from congestive heart failure. In May, the world lost Tina Turner – the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll – at age 83. Iconic pop singer Tony Bennett died in July at age 96.
The worlds of television and film were not immune to significant loss in 2023. Sitcom mastermind Norman Lear died in December at age 101. Three’s Company star Suzanne Somers died in October at age 76 from an aggressive form of breast cancer. Matthew Perry also died in October. The Friends star was only 54. Bob Barker, longtime host of The Price is Right, died in August at age 99. Paul Reubens, best known for his character Pee-wee Herman, died in July at age 70 following a private battle with cancer.
The sports world was rocked by the deaths of three major wrestling figures. In June, The Iron Sheik (Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) died at age 81. Then, in August, there were two back-to-back deaths. First, WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk died at age 79. Funk’s hardcore style has been influential to generations of wrestlers that followed. Then, Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) suddenly died at age 36. The young wrestler died after contracting COVID, which exacerbated a heart issue and led to a heart attack.
Scroll through the gallery below to see the musicians, celebrities and other cultural figures we’ve lost in 2023.
Harry Belafonte
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Legendary singer/actor who was also an integral figure in the civil rights movement.
Tina Turner
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Queen of Rock & Roll. An icon, a legend and forever the moment.
Tony Bennet
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Iconic pop singer whose career spanned eight decades.
Jeff Beck
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Guitar icon and two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a solo artist and as a member of the Yardbirds. He is one of the most influential guitar players of all time.
Burt Bacharach
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Legendary songwriter who wrote hits for Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Jackie DeShannon, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield and more. His hits included "This Guy's in Love with You," "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," and "(They Long to Be) Close to You."
David Crosby
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Singer-songwriter best known for his work with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young). He's a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. He also released a number of solo albums in the years leading up to his passing.
Suzanne Somers
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Suzanne Somers shot to fame as Chrissy Snow on the '70s sitcom 'Three's Company.' She would reach pop culture icon status thanks to the Thigh Master.
Norman Lear
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Norman Lear was the creator of some of the most iconic and influential sitcoms of all time. Lear's impact on television is immense. He created/developed over 100 shows in his career. Among them were 'All in the Family,' 'Sanford and Son,' 'Maude,' 'Good Times,' 'The Jeffersons,' 'One Day at a Time' and 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.'
Seymour Stein
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Iconic record executive who co-founded Sire Records and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Cindy Williams
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Actress best known for playing Shirley Feeney in the 1970s sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley.' The show was a spinoff from 'Happy Days.'
Jimmy Buffett
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Jimmy Buffett was a legendary singer/songwriter. His massive hit, "Margaritaville," helped inspire his brand, which is worth billions.
Jim Brown
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Jim Brown was a legendary NFL fullback, actor and civil rights activist. His reputation would be impacted following accusations of abuse towards women.
Lisa Marie Presley
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Singer/songwriter and only child Elvis and Priscilla Presley. Her debut album, 'To Whom It May Concern,' was released in 2003.
Matthew Perry
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Matthew Perry was best known for playing Chandler Bing for ten seasons on 'Friends.' During the show's run, Perry received one Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2002 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Sandra Day O’Connor
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Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. She sat on the bench from 1981-2006.
Bob Barker
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Bob Barker was the longtime, legendary host of 'The Price is Right.' Before that show, Barker hosted 'Truth or Consequences' from 1956 to 1972.
Andre Braugher
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Andre Braugher was best known for his roles on 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and 'Homicide: Life On The Street.' His breakout role was in 1989's Academy Award-winning film 'Glory.'
Paul Reubens
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Paul Reubens was best known for his character Pee-wee Herman. The character was the star of three films and the Emmy Award winning children's series 'Pee-wee's Playhouse.'
Richard Roundtree
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Richard Roundtree was a legendary actor that rose to fame during the era of blaxploitation movies. He's best known for playing the iconic character Shaft.
Rosalynn Carter
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Rosalynn Carter was a former First Lady of the United States. She was married to former President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. Mrs. Carter also championed mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein
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Dianne Feinstein was a legendary politician who served as in the United States Senate for over 30 years. She also served as mayor of San Francisco.
Jerry Springer
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Former politician turned notorious talk show host of 'The Jerry Springer Show.'
Lance Reddick
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Actor best known for his roles on HBO's 'The Wire' and the 'John Wick' movie franchise.
Sinéad O’Connor
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Acclaimed Irish singer best known for her moving cover of "Nothing Compares 2 U" and who was chastised for telling the truth about the Catholic Church.
Dick Butkus
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Dick Butkus was a Chicago Bears legend and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Butkus began acting toward the end of his football career and during his retirement.
Richard Belzer
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Renowned stand-up comedian and actor best known for playing Det. John Munch on 'Homicide: Life on the Street' and 'Law & Order: SVU.'
Alan Arkin
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Acclaimed Academy Award-winning actor.
Bobby Knight
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Bobby Knight was a the legendary college basketball coach for Indiana University. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
The Iron Sheik
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Legendary wrestler. Currently making the afterlife humble.
Gary Rossington
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Guitarist and last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Robbie Bachman and Tim Bachman
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Co-founding member/drummer and co-founding member/guitarist and vocalist for Bachman-Turner Overdrive both passed away this year. BTO's hits included "Let It Ride," "Takin' Care Of Business" and "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet."
Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda)
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Bray Wyatt was a WWE wrestler portrayed by Windham Rotunda. He is considered one of the most unique WWE characters in its storied history.
Robbie Robertson
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Robbie Robertson was best known for being the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for The Band. Robertson went on to have a decades-long partnership with Martin Scorsese. He composed or produced music and served as executive music producer for a number of Scorsese's films.
Raquel Welch
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Actress and iconic sex symbol of the 1960s. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Musical or Comedy in 1974 for her performance in 'The Three Musketeers.'
Gina Lollobrigida
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Actress, photojournalist and politician. She was a sex symbol during the "Golden Age Of Hollywood."
Steve Harwell
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Steve Harwell was the singer for Smash Mouth from 1994-2021. Smash Mouth is best known for their hits "All Star," "Walkin' On The Sun" and their cover of the Monkees' "I'm A Believer."
Clarence Avant
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Clarence Avant was a legendary record executive and influencer in the world of politics and sports. He was dubbed "The Black Godfather."
Barry Humphries (aka: Dame Edna)
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Australian actor best known as the personality of Dame Edna Everage.
Burt Young
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Burt Young was a veteran actor known for playing "tough guy" roles. He was best known for playing Paulie in the 'Rocky' film franchise.
Henry Kissinger
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Henry Kissinger was one of the most powerful, influential and controversial political figures in modern history. He served as Secretary of State for President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford.
Jeremiah Green, drummer for Modest Mouse
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Green was the drummer for Modest Mouse. He was a founding member of the group. He left in 2003, but returned shortly after.
Lola Mitchell
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Gangsta Boo of Three 6 Mafia. Starting her career at age 14, she became a popular collaborator. She has worked with a number of artists, including Eminem and OutKast.
Anita Pointer
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Founding member of the Pointer Sisters. She was also the lead singer on many of their other hits, including "Yes We Can Can", "Fire", "Slow Hand", and "I'm So Excited."
Henry Grossman
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In February 1964, he photographed the Beatles' immortal performance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' He was also a staff photographer for LIFE magazine.
Art McNally
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“Father of Instant Replay” in the NFL. In 2022, McNally became the first NFL game official to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Adam Rich
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Child star on ‘Eight Is Enough.' He was often referred to as "America's Little Brother" at the time. He also guested on other shows including 'The Six-Million Dollar Man' and 'CHIPS.'
Carl Hahn, former head of Volkswagen that helped popularize the VW Beetle
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Former head of Volkswagen. The company helped popularize the VW Beetle.
David Jude Jolicoeur (Trugoy the Dove)
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One-third of the influential hip-hop group De La Soul. They reissued their incredibly influential catalog months after his passing.
Kyle Jacobs
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Songwriter and husband of country singer Kellie Pickler.
Charles Kimbrough
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Actor of stage, screen and television. Best known for playing Jim Dial on the hit CBS sitcom 'Murphy Brown.'
Bob Born
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Confectioner best known for inventing Peeps.
Bobby Hull
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Hockey Hall of Famer best known for his 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Known as "The Golden Jet," he is regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Lloyd Morrisett
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Co-creator of 'Sesame Street'
Jerry Blavat
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Iconic Philadelphia DJ, "The Geator with the Heater" and "The Big Boss with the Hot Sauce."
Tom Verlaine
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Songwriter and guitarist from influential punk band Television.
Lisa Loring
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Actress best known for playing Wednesday Addams on ABC's 'The Addams Family' from 1964-1966.
Cody Longo
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Actor and singer/songwriter best known for his roles on 'Hollywood Heights' and 'Days of Our Lives.'
Tim McCarver
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MLB All-Star and two-time World Series Champion that went on to be a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
Sal Piro
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Noted superfan of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show.'
Wayne Swinny
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Founding member and guitarist for Saliva.
Keith Reid (L)
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Procol Harum lyricist. Notably wrote the lyrics to "A Whiter Shade of Pale."
Nora Forster
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Music promoter, wife of John Lydon (Sex Pistols' Johnny Rotten) and mother to Arianna Forster (Ari Up from The Slits.)
Michael Lerner
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Iconic character actor best known for his roles in the films 'Barton Fink,' 'Elf' and 'Newsies.'
Lynette Hardaway (L)
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"Diamond" of conservative media personalities "Diamond and Silk." They were frequent contributors to conservative news outlet Newsmax.
Mary Quant
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Famed British designer known as "The Mother of the Miniskirt."
Blair Tindall
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Author of the 2005 memoir 'Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classic Music,' which was later adapted into an award-winning series for Amazon.
Len Goodman
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Renown British dance champion who was a longtime judge on ABC's 'Dancing With the Stars.'
Andy Rouke
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Bassist of The Smiths.
Gordon Lightfoot
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Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter/folk icon.
Pete Brown
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Lyricist for legendary rock band Cream.
Ray Stevenson
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Actor best known for roles in “Punisher: War Zone,” “King Arthur” and the “Thor” films.
Randy Meisner
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Founding member of the legendary band, Eagles.
Jane Birkin
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Renown actress and inspiration behind the iconic Hermès Birkin bag.
Bernie Marsden was the guitarist for Whitesnake from 1978-1982. During his time in the band, Marsden and David Coverdale wrote Whitesnake's biggest hit, "Here I Go Again," which was originally released on their 1982 album 'Saints & Sinners.' However, the track took off when it was re-recorded for the band's self-titled 1987 album.
Gary Wright
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Gary Wright was the former keyboardist/singer of Spooky Tooth and a solo artist. He was best known for his solo hit "Dream Weaver."
Michael Gambon
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Michael Gambon was an acclaimed actor of TV and film. He is best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the 'Harry Potter' film series.
Rudolph Isley
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Rudolph Isley was a founding member of The Isley Brothers. The iconic ground was best known for their hits "Shout," "This Old Heart of Mine," "Twist & Shout," "It's Your Thing," and more.
Shane MacGowan
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Shane MacGowan was the singer/songwriter/founder of The Pogues. He fronted The Pogues from 1982-1991. MacGowan and The Pogues would reform from 2001 to 2014.
Denny Laine
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Denny Laine was a co-founder of the Moody Blues and Wings. Laine was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 as a member of the Moody Blues. Laine also played on all seven studio albums from Wings, which was also co-founded by Paul McCartney in 1971 following the breakup of the Beatles.
Ryan O’Neal
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Ryan O'Neal was best known for his roles in 1970's 'Love Story' and 1973's 'Paper Moon.' O'Neal's breakout performance came as Rodney Harrington on the '60s TV series 'Peyton Place.'
Angus Cloud
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Angus Clous was best known for portraying Fezco on 'Euphoria.' He was only 25 years old.
Mark Margolis
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Mark Margolis was a veteran character actor. He was best known for roles in 'Breaking Bad,' 'Scarface,' 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' and more.
Rodriguez
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Rodriguez was a working musician based in Detroit. He was the subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary 'Searching for Sugar Man.'
Piper Laurie
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Piper Laurie was an Emmy Award-winning and Oscar nominated actress. Some of her most notable credits include 1961's 'The Hustler,' 1976's 'Carrie' and 1986's 'Children of a Lesser God.'
Richard Moll
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Richard Moll had an acting career that spanned four decades. However, he was best known for playing bailiff Bull Shannon on NBC's 'Night Court.'
Tyler Christopher
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Tyler Christopher was best known for portraying Nikolas Cassadine on 'General Hospital.' He won a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance in 2016.
Marty Krofft
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Marty Krofft, along with his brother Sid, created a number of popular children's/variety shows of the 1970s. Among them were 'H.R. Pufnstuf,' 'Land of the Lost' and 'Donny and Marie.'
Brian has been working in pop culture and media for about three decades: he’s worked at MTV, VH1, SiriusXM, CBS and Loudwire. Besides working as a writer and an editor-in-chief, he’s also appeared on air as a pundit, guested on radio shows and hosted podcasts. Over the years, he’s interviewed the surviving members of Led Zeppelin, the members of U2, Beyonce, Pink, Usher, Stevie Nicks, Lorde… and is grateful to have had the chance to interview Joe Strummer of the Clash and Tom Petty.
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