Mike Gibbins was a Welsh musician who rose to fame as the drummer of the rock band Badfinger in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was also a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who contributed to several of the band’s albums and solo projects. However, his life and career were cut short by a sudden and unexpected death in 2005. What was the cause of death of Mike Gibbins, and what legacy did he leave behind?
Contents
Early Life and Career
Mike Gibbins was born on March 12, 1949, in Swansea, Wales. He began playing drums at age 14, and joined his first band, The Club 4, in the early 1960s. He later played with a group called The Misfits before auditioning for the rival Welsh band The Iveys in 1964. He was accepted into the band after cutting his hair from a rocker style to that of a mod, as the other members preferred
The Iveys changed their name to Badfinger in 1969, after signing with the Beatles’ Apple Records. They were one of the first bands to be signed by the label, and enjoyed the support and guidance of the Beatles themselves. Paul McCartney wrote and produced their first hit, “Come and Get It”, which reached the top 10 in both the UK and the US. Badfinger went on to have more success with songs like “No Matter What”, “Day After Day”, and “Baby Blue”, which showcased their catchy melodies, harmonies, and power pop style
Gibbins was not only a skilled drummer, but also a creative songwriter and vocalist. He wrote and sang several songs for Badfinger, such as “It Had to Be”, “Cowboy”, “My Heart Goes Out”, “Your So Fine”, and the medley “In the Meantime/Some Other Time”. He also composed and sang some unreleased songs, such as “Loving You”, “Rockin’ Machine”, and “Back Again”
Gibbins also participated in some of the most iconic events in rock history. He played on George Harrison’s album All Things Must Pass, and performed at The Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. He was nicknamed “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Phil Spector, who admired his talent at playing the tambourine
Personal Struggles and Tragedy
Despite their musical achievements, Badfinger faced many difficulties in their career. They were plagued by legal disputes, financial troubles, and managerial problems. They also suffered from internal conflicts and artistic differences. Gibbins briefly left the band in 1972 to record a solo album in Wales, but returned soon after. He remained loyal to the band until the end, even when the other members split into two factions
However, the most devastating blow came in 1975, when the band’s leader and main songwriter, Pete Ham, committed suicide. Ham was depressed and disillusioned by the band’s situation, and hanged himself in his garage. He left a note that blamed their manager, Stan Polley, for his death. Gibbins was deeply affected by Ham’s death, and considered him a close friend and mentor. He later said, “Pete was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
After Ham’s death, Badfinger broke up and Gibbins found work as a session drummer in Wales. He played on some notable songs, such as “It’s a Heartache” by Bonnie Tyler. He also reunited with some of the former Badfinger members, such as Tom Evans, Joey Molland, and Ron Griffiths, for various projects and tours. He released two solo albums, A Place in Time in 1998, and More Annoying Songs in 2000. He moved from Detroit to Florida in the mid-1990s, and focused on raising his family
Mike Gibbins Cause of Death
On October 4, 2005, Gibbins died in his sleep at his home in Florida. He was 56 years old. The cause of death was a brain aneurysm, a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain that causes bleeding and damage to the brain tissue. A brain aneurysm can occur without any warning signs or symptoms, and can be fatal within minutes.
Gibbins’ death was a shock and a loss to his family, friends, and fans. He left behind his wife, Debbie, and his six children, Owen, Yari, Michael, Dylan, Jessica, and Matthew. He also left behind a legacy of music that influenced and inspired many generations of musicians and listeners. He was remembered as a talented, humble, and kind-hearted person, who loved music and life.
Conclusion
Mike Gibbins was a drummer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who was best known for being a member of the rock band Badfinger. He had a successful and influential career, but also faced many hardships and tragedies. He died in 2005 from a brain aneurysm, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a loving family. Mike Gibbins cause of death was a sad and unexpected event, but his music and spirit live on.
