A Sad Announcement
On June 14, 2023, the alternative rock band Urge Overkill announced the death of their former drummer, Johnny “Blackie Onassis” Rowan, on their social media accounts. They did not reveal his cause of death, but asked for privacy and expressed their love for his family and fans. They also shared a recent photo of Rowan with actor and musician Jack Black, showing that he was still in touch with his old friends.
Rowan was 57 years old when he passed away. He was best known for drumming on Urge Overkill’s biggest hit, a cover of Neil Diamond’s “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon”, which was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction in 1994. The song reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 11 on the Alternative Airplay chart. It also earned the band a nomination for best video from a film at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Career
Rowan joined Urge Overkill in 1991, after the band had already released two albums on the indie label Touch & Go Records. He replaced Jack “Jaguar” Watt, who had played on the band’s breakthrough album Americruiser in 1990. Rowan’s first recording with Urge Overkill was the EP Stull in 1992, which included “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” and “Goodbye to Guyville”.
Rowan’s drumming style was influenced by classic rock bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. He added a powerful and energetic groove to Urge Overkill’s songs, which blended hard rock, punk and glam elements. He also contributed to the band’s image, wearing suits and sunglasses and adopting the stage name Blackie Onassis, a reference to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Rowan played on Urge Overkill’s first major-label album, Saturation, which was released in 1993 by Geffen Records. The album received critical acclaim and spawned the hit single “Sister Havana”, which peaked at number six on the Alternative Airplay chart and number 10 on the Mainstream Rock chart. The band toured extensively to support the album, opening for Pearl Jam on their Vs. tour.
Rowan’s last album with Urge Overkill was Exit the Dragon, which came out in 1995. The album was darker and more introspective than Saturation, reflecting the band’s personal and professional struggles. It did not sell as well as its predecessor, and received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Rowan left the band shortly after the album’s release, reportedly due to drug problems.
A Life After Music
After leaving Urge Overkill, Rowan moved to Los Angeles and worked as a producer and songwriter. He collaborated with Nash Kato, the lead singer of Urge Overkill, on his solo debut album Debutante in 2000. He also played drums for other artists, such as Mark Lanegan and The Warlocks.
Rowan struggled with heroin addiction for years, and was arrested for drug possession in 1996. He later claimed that he had quit heroin in 2002, after overdosing several times. He said that he had found happiness in his family life, raising two sons with his wife.
Rowan did not rejoin Urge Overkill when they reunited in 2004. He was replaced by Nate Arling, who is still the current drummer of the band. Rowan remained friends with his former bandmates, however, and occasionally joined them on stage for special occasions.
Rowan’s death shocked and saddened many fans and musicians who admired his work. His legacy lives on through his music, which influenced many bands in the alternative rock scene. He will be remembered as one of the most talented and charismatic drummers of his generation.
