12. Gary Thain survived electrocution only to die later of heart problems
Gary Thain was a bassist and background vocalist from New Zealand, who worked with several local bands down under in the 1960s before moving to Swinging London to seek his fortune in the burgeoning rock and pop scene. His musical abilities were widely respected, and he performed with several of the rock gods of the local scene at various clubs. Among the artists with whom he worked, although informally, were Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, and several others including the group the Pretty Things. Sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s he officially joined the Keef Hartley Band as their full-time bass player. Keef Hartley released several recordings to marginal success with Thain as bassist, and in 1971 embarked on a tour as the backup for Uriah Heep.
In the late winter of 1972 Thain joined Uriah Heep as a full time member, and through heavy touring and recording developed a loyal following. Thain appeared with the band on their four most popular albums, in terms of sales, and during the tours supporting each (the albums were Demons & Wizards, The Magician’s Birthday, Sweet Freedom, and Wonder World, along with the live recording Uriah Heep Live). In 1974 he was seriously injured when he was subjected to an electric shock onstage, and subsequently was released by the band, officially due to injury, but unofficially (and truthfully) because his addiction to heroin had become so debilitating that he could no longer perform. On December 8, 1975, he died of complications of heroin addiction, specifically respiratory failure, at his home in London, achieving membership in the 27 Club.