Gary Thain joined the 27 club on December 08, 1975. The cause of death is recorded as: Drug overdose (heroin)
Gary Mervin Thain (May 15, 1948 – December 8, 1975) was a New Zealand-born bassist who gained recognition for his work with British rock bands Uriah Heep and the Keef Hartley Band. Thain's musical journey began in Christchurch where he recorded with The Strangers before moving to Australia to join The Secrets. After traveling to London with drummer Peter Dawkins, they jammed with Jimi Hendrix before their trio disbanded in 1969.
Thain subsequently joined the Keef Hartley Band and performed at Woodstock in 1969. In 1971, Uriah Heep invited him to join the band as a replacement for Mark Clarke. Thain contributed his melodic and progressive bass style to four studio albums – Demons & Wizards, The Magician's Birthday, Sweet Freedom, and Wonderworld – and their live album, Uriah Heep Live. During this period, he primarily used a 1962 Fender Jazz Bass and an Acoustic 360 bass amp to create his overdriven bass tone. Thain's innovative approach to the bass guitar set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Unfortunately, during his last U.S. tour with Heep, Thain suffered a severe electric shock at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas, which led to his dismissal from the band and his replacement by former King Crimson bassist John Wetton. Struggling with drug addiction, Thain was unable to perform effectively and ultimately died of respiratory failure due to a heroin overdose on December 8, 1975, at the age of 27 in London.
Despite his untimely death, Gary Thain's contributions to rock music have left an indelible mark. His unique and melodic bass playing style influenced many musicians that followed, and his tenure with Uriah Heep marked a significant era for the band. As a member of the infamous "27 Club" – a group of influential musicians who died at the age of 27 – Thain's legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians.