SANTA MONICA, CALIF.–Eddie Van Halen, the all-American guitar hero who, with his namesake hard-rock band Van Halen, redefined the sound and possibilities of the electric guitar in the 1970s and ’80s, died on Oct. 6 after a long battle with throat cancer. He was 65.

MSTies will remember that he was mentioned in a host segment in episode 303- POD PEOPLE, when Joel invented a three-handed guitar chord named for Van Halen.

The L.A. Times has the story.

Thanks to Tim for the heads up.

NASHVILLE–Mac Davis, the country music artist and songwriter behind some of Elvis Presley’s most indelible recordings, died at a hospital here Sept. 29 following heart surgery. He was 78.

Davis became a country and adult contemporary crossover star with solo hits like “Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me.” In 1974, he was named Entertainer of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, beating out nominees like Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard. That same year, he was nominated for Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association but lost to Charlie Rich.

MSTies will recall that Joel mentioned him in a host segment in episode 207- WILD REBELS.

Rolling Stone has the story.