Backstage Country

Dick Butkus Dies at 80

Dick Butkus, the iconic Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend, has died. He was 80. The Chicago Tribune confirmed Butkus died on Thursday (October 5) in his…

Dick Butkus on the sidelines of a Chicago Bears game.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Dick Butkus, the iconic Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend, has died. He was 80.

The Chicago Tribune confirmed Butkus died on Thursday (October 5) in his home in Malibu. TMZ reported paramedics were called to Butkus' home "for a patient in cardiac arrest." He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Butkus played in the NFL from 1965-1973. His entire career was spent with the Chicago Bears. The team issued a statement that reads, in part, "Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history ... Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch."

The Bears noted, " ... We are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."

The sports world was quick to react. Sports journalist Jarrett Payton tweeted, "Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him." NFL analyst Jacob Infante tweeted, "Dick Butkus was the epitome of what a middle linebacker should be. He was the hardest-hitting and nastiest player every time he stepped on the field. RIP to one of the greatest #Bears, but also one of the best pure football players of all time."

Journalist Sarah Spain tweeted "So sad to hear the news about Dick Butkus. He was just interviewed on the field during the season opener & was full of his usual feistiness, talking about kicking the Packers' a--es. A legendary player, so funny & multi-talented. He'll be so missed. Thoughts are with his family."

Butkus began acting toward the end of his football career and during his retirement. Notably, he played Ed Klawicki on 27 episodes of My Two Dads between 1987-1989. He also played Coach Mike Katowinski for 52 episodes on Hang Time. Butkus' other acting credits included 1971's Brian's Song, 1984's Johnny Dangerously, 1991's Necessary Roughness and The Last Boy Scout and 1999's Any Given Sunday. 

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

GettyImages-3426950-1.jpgTerry Disney/Central Press/Getty Images

Tina Turner

GettyImages-1185624327-1-e1589390770196.jpgJohn Rogers/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Tony Bennet

GettyImages-74023239-1.jpgJo Hale/Getty Images

LONDON - APRIL 29: Singer Tony Bennet performs at the Royal Albert Hall on April 29, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tony Bennett


Jeff Beck

GettyImages-115922202-1-1.jpgSimone Joyner/Getty Images

during day three of the Isle of Wight Festival 2011 at Seaclose Park on June 12, 2011 in Newport, Isle of Wight.


Burt Bacharach

GettyImages-1585546.jpgRobert Mora/Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Musician Burt Bacharach performs at the Mentor Foundation's "Global Celebration: An Evening Honoring the Generations of the Future" Gala at the Paramount Studios on November 3, 2002 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images)


David Crosby

GettyImages-187527638-1-1.jpgMike Windle/Getty Images

attends the International Myeloma Foundation's 7th Annual Comedy Celebration Benefiting The Peter Boyle Research Fund hosted by Ray Romano at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre on November 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.


Suzanne Somers

Blank-1556-x-1176-377.jpgJamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Norman Lear

GettyImages-1127926119-1.jpgRich Polk/Getty Images for Sony Pictures Television

Seymour Stein

GettyImages-2240500.jpgFrank Micelotta/Getty Images

NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Chairman of the Sire Record Group Seymour Stein speaks at the 18th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel March 10, 2003 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)


Cindy Williams

GettyImages-142902246.jpgGary Gershoff/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: Actress Cindy Williams attends the 10th Annual TV Land Awards at the Lexington Avenue Armory on April 14, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)


Jimmy Buffett

GettyImages-2777069.jpgMCA Records/Getty Images

Promotional studio portrait of American singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett, circa 1983. (Photo by MCA Records/Getty Images)


Jim Brown

GettyImages-629425540.jpgSlaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Former football player Jim Brown attends the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Ceremony 2016 at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on December 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)


Lisa Marie Presley

GettyImages-169991751-1-1.jpgChristopher Polk/Getty Images for Wonderwall

poses at the Wonderwall portrait studio during the 2013 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee.


Matthew Perry

GettyImages-1442389581-1.jpgPhillip Faraone/Getty Images for GQ

Sandra Day O’Connor

GettyImages-783441.jpgLiaison/Getty Images

384802 07: (FILE PHOTO) This undated file photo shows Justice Sandra Day O''Connor of the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, DC. (Photo by Liaison)


Bob Barker

GettyImages-74427230-scaled-e1693069307384.jpgMark Davis/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - JUNE 06: Television host Bob Barker poses for photographers at his last taping of "The Price is Right" show at the CBS Television City Studios on June 6, 2007 in Los Angeles California. Barker has been the host of the "The Price is Right" for 35 years. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images)


Andre Braugher

GettyImages-1433211993.jpgDia Dipasupil/Getty Images for FLC

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 13: Andre Braugher attends the red carpet event for "She Said" during the 60th New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on October 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for FLC)


Paul Reubens

GettyImages-74502367-1-1.jpgFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

poses in the pressroom during of Spike TV's First Annual "Guys Choice" taped at Radford Studios on June 9, 2007 in Studio City, California. Spike TV's "Guys Choice" premieres June 13, 2007 at 10:00pm ET/PT.


Richard Roundtree

GettyImages-1423493039.jpgMichael Loccisano/Getty Images

TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Richard Roundtree attends the "Moving On" Premiere during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 13, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)


Rosalynn Carter

GettyImages-1043567960.jpgScott Cunningham/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Former president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn prior to the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)


Sen. Dianne Feinstein

GettyImages-1245187359.jpgDrew Angerer/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) walks through the Senate subway on her way to a procedural vote on the Respect For Marriage Act at the U.S. Capitol on November 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. Congress returns to Washington this week after a Thanksgiving break. Pending issues in the lame-duck session are government funding legislation, Respect For Marriage Act, National Defense Authorization Act and the changes to the Electoral Count Act. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)


Jerry Springer

GettyImages-51096066.jpgHulton Archive/Getty Images

Jerry Springer Speaks To Guests During His Show December 17, 1998. The Show Which Features Violent Outbrusts And Adult Content Has Been Soaring In The Ratings. (Photo By Getty Images)


Lance Reddick

GettyImages-1162261357.jpgRich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb

STUDIO CITY, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 19: Actor Lance Reddick visits 'The IMDb Show' on June 19, 2019 in Studio City, California. This episode of 'The IMDb Show' airs on July 18, 2019. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb)


Sinéad O'Connor

GettyImages-139634943-1.jpgJason Kempin/Getty Images

<> at the Highline Ballroom on February 23, 2012 in New York City.


Dick Butkus

GettyImages-853262874-2.jpgJonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: at Soldier Field on September 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)


Richard Belzer

GettyImages-166833953-1.jpgStephen Lovekin/Getty Images

attends "Mistaken For Strangers" Opening Night Premiere during the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival - on April 17, 2013 in New York City.


Alan Arkin

GettyImages-73420108-1.jpgVince Bucci/Getty Images

poses in the press room during the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre on February 25, 2007 in Hollywood, California.


Bobby Knight

GettyImages-73047280.jpgRonald Martinez/Getty Images

LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Bob Knight of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts during play against the UNLV Rebels at United Spirit Arena on December 28, 2006 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)


The Iron Sheik

GettyImages-185690916-1.jpgNeilson Barnard/Getty Images for GQ

attends the 2013 GQ Gentlemen Give Back Concert with Robin Thicke at Highline Ballroom on October 23, 2013 in New York City.


Gary Rossington

GettyImages-932643198-1.jpgRick Diamond/Getty Images

Robbie Bachman and Tim Bachman

BTO_Mercury-1-1.jpgMercury

Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda)

GettyImages-1460418507-2.jpgAlex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 28: during the WWE Royal Rumble at the Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)


Robbie Robertson

GettyImages-1172584732-1.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images

Raquel Welch

GettyImages-450134305.jpgFrederick M. Brown/Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Actress Raquel Welch arrives at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 16, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)


Gina Lollobrigida

GettyImages-914917506.jpgKeystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida as Marietta in the film 'La Legge' ('The Law', aka 'Where the Hot Wind Blows'), 1959. (Photo by Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)


Steve Harwell

GettyImages-487962228.jpgBrad Barket/Getty Images for 90sFEST

BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth performs at 90sFEST Pop Culture and Music Festival on September 12, 2015 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for 90sFEST)


Clarence Avant

GettyImages-1153596504.jpgCharley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 03: Clarence Avant attends Netflix world premiere of "THE BLACK GODFATHER at the Paramount Theater on June 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)


Barry Humphries (aka: Dame Edna)

GettyImages-1173724678.jpgLisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Dame Edna Everage hosts high tea ahead of her My Gorgeous Life national tour on September 11, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)


Burt Young

GettyImages-138471501.jpgJason Merritt/Getty Images

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Actor Burt Young attends AARP Magazine's 11th Annual Movies for Grownups Awards Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 6, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)


Henry Kissinger

GettyImages-138184794.jpgJohannes Simon/Getty Images

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 04: Henry A. Kissinger, former US secretary of state gestures during a panel talk during day 2 of the 48th Munich Security Conference at Hotel Bayerischer Hof on February 4, 2012 in Munich, Germany. The 48th Munich conference on security policy is running till February 5, 2012. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)


Jeremiah Green, drummer for Modest Mouse

GettyImages-1357195812.jpgJason Koerner/Getty Images

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 04: Jeremiah Green of Modest Mouse performs on stage during Audacy Beach Festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on December 04, 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Audacy)


Lola Mitchell

GettyImages-1390244719-e1672616905262-1.jpgJesse Grant/Getty Images for Republic Records

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Gangsta Boo attends the Coi Leray album release party hosted by Republic Records and Sprite at Bootsy Bellows on April 07, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Republic Records)


Anita Pointer

GettyImages-476586597.jpgMike Windle/Getty Images for VFC

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 03: Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters performs onstage at the Venice Family Clinic's 32nd Annual Silver Circle Gala held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 3, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for VFC)


Henry Grossman

GettyImages-466871819.jpgBen Gabbe/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 04: Photographer Henry Grossman attends The Beatles 50 Year Commemorative Anniversary photo exhibit at Rock Paper Photo NYC Pop Up Gallery on February 4, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images)


Art McNally

GettyImages-1413288276.jpgNick Cammett/Getty Images

CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 06: Art McNally is presented during the 2022 Pro Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 06, 2022 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)


Adam Rich

GettyImages-3441610.jpgStephen Shugerman/Getty Images

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - APRIL 17: Actor Adam Rich attends the Chrysalis Third Annual Butterfly Ball at a private residence on April 17, 2004 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)


Carl Hahn, former head of Volkswagen that helped popularize the VW Beetle

GettyImages-1185430852.jpgSean Gallup/Getty Images

ZWICKAU, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 04: Carl Hahn, who was head of Volkswagen Group from 1982 to 1983, chats with workers at the assembly line of the new Volkswagen ID.3 electric car at the Volkswagen factory on November 04, 2019 in Zwickau, Germany. Volkswagen launched assembly of the car at the Zwickau plant today. A spokesman said the numbers of vehicles finished per day will gradually be ramped up, from a current 6 to over 50 by the end of the year, and then much higher numbers in 2020. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)


David Jude Jolicoeur (Trugoy the Dove)

GettyImages-83094876.jpgBryan Bedder/Getty Images

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 02: Honorees Dave, Maseo and Posdnuos of De La Soul attend the 2008 VH1 Hip Hop Honors at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 2, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)


Kyle Jacobs

GettyImages-693608830-1.jpgRick Diamond/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 07: Kellie Pickler and Kyle Jacobs attend the 2017 CMT Music awards at the Music City Center on June 7, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT)


Charles Kimbrough

GettyImages-142902254-1.jpgGary Gershoff/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: Actor Charles Kimbrough attends the 10th Annual TV Land Awards at the Lexington Avenue Armory on April 14, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)


Bob Born

GettyImages-1938576.jpgWilliam Thomas Cain/Getty Images

WARMINSTER, PA - APRIL 18: Pink and yellow Marshmallow Peeps are seen April 18, 2003 in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Just Born, the manufacturer of Marshmallow Peeps, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Marshmallow Peeps, and now produces more than one billion individual Peeps per year. Last Easter, more than 700 million Marshmallow Peeps and Bunnies were consumed by men, women, and children throughout the United States. Strange things people like to do with Marshmallow Peeps: eat them stale, microwave them, freeze them, roast them and use them as a pizza topping. Marshmallow Peeps and Bunnies come in five colors. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)


Bobby Hull

GettyImages-86525437.jpgJonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - MAY 05: Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull walks out to drop the puck for the ceremonial face off prior to the Blackhawks hosting the Vancouver Canucks in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinal Round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 5, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)


Lloyd Morrisett

GettyImages-1192775530.jpgPaul Morigi/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 08: Sesame Street co-founder Lloyd Morrisett (C) with Sesame Street characters Abby Cadabby (L) and Cookie Monster (R) attend the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Kennedy Center on December 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)


Jerry Blavat

GettyImages-83686150.jpgWilliam Thomas Cain/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 13: Philadelphia radio personality Jerry Blavat, poses for photos at PBS Presents "Love Train: The Sound Of Philadelphia" Premiere Screening November 13, 2008 at the Ritz East in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Part one of a two-part PBS special celebrating the classic Philly soul of Gamble and Huff will premiere on PBS Thanksgiving weekend. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)


Tom Verlaine

GettyImages-79753175.jpgStephen Lovekin/Getty Images

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 13: Singer/musician Tom Verlaine performs at The 2008 Tibet House Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall on February 13, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)


Lisa Loring

GettyImages-756614.jpgLawrence Lucier/Getty Images

403350 01: Actress Lisa Loring poses for a photo April 3, 2002, in New York City. Loring played Wednesday Addams in the television series the Addams Family. (Photo by Lawrence Lucier/Getty Images)


Cody Longo

GettyImages-1020458004.jpgMike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Cody Longo attends the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)


Tim McCarver

GettyImages-51592356.jpg

Portrait of American baseball player Tim McCarver infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, Busch Stadium, St. Louis, 1973. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)


Sal Piro

GettyImages-106339019.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images for The Painted Turtle

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Founder and President of the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' fan club Sal Piro speaks onstage during The Rocky Horror Picture Show 35th anniversary to benefit The Painted Turtle at The Wiltern on October 28, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Painted Turtle)


Wayne Swinny

Wayne-Swinny_OdonnellMediaGroup.jpgO'Donnell Media Group

Keith Reid (L)

GettyImages-3063950.jpgMichael Stroud/Express/Getty Images

1967: Procul Harum lyricist and manager Keith Reid with the group's ex-manager Tony Secunda. (Photo by Michael Stroud/Express/Getty Images)


Nora Forster

GettyImages-671349068.jpgNoam Galai/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 21: (L-R) John Lydon and Nora Forster attend "The Public Image is Rotten" Premiere during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Spring Studios on April 21, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)


Michael Lerner

GettyImages-80850567.jpgScott Gries/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

NEW YORK - APRIL 24: Actor Michael Lerner of the film "Yonkers Joe" poses for a portrait at the Amex Insider's Center during the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival on April 24, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)


Lynette Hardaway (L)

GettyImages-1095793668.jpgPaul Morigi/Getty Images for Save the Storks

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: Fox Nation contributors Diamond (L) and Silk (R) attend the Save the Storks 2nd Annual Stork Charity Ball at the Trump International Hotel on January 17, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Save the Storks)


Mary Quant

GettyImages-3165261.jpgKeystone/Getty Images

November 1965: Chelsea fashion designer and make-up manufacturer Mary Quant. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)


Blair Tindall

GettyImages-459857008.jpgBrian Ach/Getty Images for Amazon Studios

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 02: "Mozart in the Jungle" author Blair Tindall attends the red carpet premiere screening of Amazon's Original Series "Mozart in the Jungle" at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center on December 2, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Amazon Studios)


Len Goodman

GettyImages-183946613-scaled-e1682350565697.jpgSimon Burchell/Getty Images

GREENHITHE, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 10: Len Goodman meets fans and signs copies of his book 'Lost London: A Personal Journey' at Waterstones Bluewater on October 10, 2013 in Greenhithe, England. (Photo by Simon Burchell/Getty Images)


Andy Rouke

GettyImages-1437817837-1.jpgRoy Rochlin/Getty Images

Gordon Lightfoot

GettyImages-952881514-1.jpgFrazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach

performs onstage during 2018 Stagecoach California's Country Music Festival at the Empire Polo Field on April 29, 2018 in Indio, California.


Pete Brown

Cream_UMG.jpgUMG

Ray Stevenson

GettyImages-1480777898.jpgJeff Spicer/Getty Images for Disney

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Ray Stevenson attends the Ahsoka panel at Start Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Disney)


Randy Meisner

Eagles_Asylum-1.jpgAsylum

Jane Birkin

GettyImages-522879807.jpgMcKeown/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

English actress and singer Jane Birkin, 1964. (Photo by McKeown/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)


Nikki McCray-Penson

GettyImages-1367200.jpgDoug Pensinger/Getty Images

SYDNEY - SEPTEMBER 20: Nikki McCray #15 of the United States dribbles the ball against Russia during the Women's Basketball competition, part of the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics at the Sydney Superdome on September 20, 2000 in Sydney, Australia. The United States defeated Russia 88-77. (Photo by: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)


Bernie Marsden

Whitesnake-Liverpool-Empire-4-November-1979-1-1.jpgCourtesy of BMI

Gary Wright

GettyImages-105555695.jpgEthan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 15: Producer/composer David Foster (L) and recording artist Gary Wright perform during the David Foster and Friends concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center October 15, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


Michael Gambon

GettyImages-462542128.jpgAaron Davidson/Getty Images

Rudolph Isley

GettyImages-3200519.jpgChris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images

November 1964: Ronald, Rudolph and O'Kelly; gospel influenced pop vocal group The Isley Brothers, performing on the British television show 'Ready Steady Go'. (Photo by Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images)


Shane MacGowan

GettyImages-110163673-1.jpgTheo Wargo/Getty Images

<> at Terminal 5 on March 15, 2011 in New York City.


Denny Laine

GettyImages-1049891326-1.jpgMike Moore/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Huty23519 011


Ryan O'Neal

GettyImages-451241226-1.jpgJason Kempin/Getty Images

<> at Farrah Fawcett Foundation on June 25, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California.


Angus Cloud

GettyImages-1153759717.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 04: Angus Cloud attends the LA Premiere of HBO's "Euphoria" at The Cinerama Dome on June 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)


Mark Margolis

GettyImages-924699426.jpgBen Gabbe/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Actor Mark Margolis attends a screening of Louisiana Caviar hosted by The Cinema Society with Avion and Watchbox at iPic Cinema on February 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images)


Rodriguez

GettyImages-164886196.jpgMatt Roberts/Getty Images

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Rodriguez performs on stage at Bluesfest Byron Bay 2013 - Day 2 on March 29, 2013 in Byron Bay, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)


Piper Laurie

GettyImages-156780640.jpgFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Actress Piper Laurie arrives at the Premiere Of Fox Searchlight Pictures' "Hitchcock" at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on November 20, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)


Richard Moll

GettyImages-98535595.jpgDavid Livingston/Getty Images

CULVER CITY, CA - APRIL 17: Actor Richard Moll attends the 8th Annual TV Land Awards at Sony Studios on April 17, 2010 in Culver City, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)


Tyler Christopher

GettyImages-103888796.jpgAlberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for DATG

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 26: Tyler Christopher in a scene that airs the week of September 27, 2010 on ABC's GENERAL HOSPITAL (3PM ET/2PM CT and PT). (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for DATG)


Marty Krofft

GettyImages-1206088814.jpgDavid Livingston/Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Sid Krofft (L) and Marty Krofft attend being honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 13, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights