Friday, December 29: Tig’s Rock Birthdays

Remembering English drummer Cozy Powell today (Dec. 29) who would’ve been 70 years old. Other rocker birthdays today include ex Biohazard bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld (50).

Cozy Powell made a name for himself playing with many major rock bands throughout the 70’s and 80’s. Powell’s resume included stints with The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Whitesnake, and Black Sabbath. He also played on a couple of tracks on Robert Plant’s 1982 solo album Pictures at Eleven. Other projects included Emerson, Lake & Powell from 1985-1986. Powell died in a car accident in 1998 at the age of 50. He has been cited as a major influence by many rock drummers.
In the early 1990’s, Powell assembled a touring band called 'Cozy Powell’s Hammer' which featured him on drums along with bassist Neil Murray, Mario Parga on guitar, and singer Tony Martin. Powell and Murray also played in Brian May of Queen’s solo band. Powell played with May opening for Guns N’ Roses in 1993 on the second U.S. leg of their Use Your Illusion tour. I almost caught the Guns N' Roses tour with Brian May and it would have been my opportunity to see the great Cozy Powell perform live, but unfortunately I didn't get there.

A Cozy Powell website has news and information on the drum legend along with tributes from many rockers. Check out the website here.