Rock Stars Doing Good Things for the Earth from Beyond the Grave: An Interview with Vince Hans

Unfortunately, Planet Green hasn't been able to get into contact with any dead rock stars. Setting up interviews with live ones is hard enough. We have, however, been in contact with a Vince Hans, vice president at Almighty Music Marketing in Studio City, California, who keeps track of dead rock stars on his blog called "The Music's Over." So we asked him, why focus on the dead? And what can the living learn from stars who've passed on, especially when it comes to making rock n' roll more green, or the Earth a little better place to live?

Planet Green: How long have you been writing "The Music's Over"? How did you come up with the idea?

Vince Hans: I started The Music's Over in March of 2008. Yes, it really was not much more than getting upset that neither Buddy Miles nor Mike Smith of the Dave Clark Five were getting much of a mention in dead celebrity type blogs, so I decided these guys, along with the countless others who have given their own "blood, sweat & tears" to keep us entertained, deserve the recognition.

Sure, the Michael Jacksons and Teddy Pendergrasses are going to get plenty of ink, but there are countless session players, one-hit-wonders, label executives and club owners that worked just as passionately if not more so. And they deserve to be remembered someplace other than a local obituary.

Sure there are a few other "dead rock star" sites out there, but mine is the only one that covers all genres and depth of contributions, plus those behind the scenes (songwriters, DJs, club owners, etc). And it's those types that keep me going. I can't tell you how many comments or e-mails I've gotten from loved-ones thanking me for remembering their son, uncle or father—some have even provided additional information or photos. And I also get an occasional email from people around the world making sure I heard about someone who had just passed away.

PG: What are some names that come to mind of late artists that have done charity work, or activist work, from beyond the grave, if you will?

VH: I don't doubt the Elvis Foundation is doing good things, and I suspect the same of John Lennon's estate.

And I'm sure folks like Paul McCartney, Michael Stipe, and Eddie Vedder have something in their wills that will continue to help future generations.

I remember the calls for gun control following John Lennon's murder, and though no one in The Who died during the deadly stampede they caused in Cincinnati, the incident did away with (General Admission) concerts for many years.

And more recently, the deaths that resulted from the fire at the Great White show in Rhode Island lead to stricter fire and capacity laws in the state (if I recall).

PG: Why do you think it's important to remember the lives of rock stars who've passed on? Do you think dead rock stars can influence people to take action when it comes to issues?

VH: Basically (it's) to give all who have made us cry, laugh, sing, dance or think through their music a final and respectful resting place on the web.

And of course that includes those behind the scenes as well. You may not have noticed, but I have a rule that I don't bring up any of the controversies or gossipy type stuff in my posts. Sure, if a drug addiction lead to a death, I mention that, but I try to keep it classy and respectful—especially for the families that might be reading. People can read about the sensational stuff elsewhere if they wish.

PG: What's your background?

VH: I've been a music geek for most of my life. I'm one of those that can easily list albums or concerts that have influenced my life, sent me down this road, and made me the person I am today.

By the way, Bruce Springsteen is at the top of that list. I've also had the good fortune of working in the music industry ever since graduating from college, first working retail in the L.A. area and then working at Capitol Records for 10 years, Vanguard Records for nine and now at Almighty Music Marketing ... I've been lucky to surround myself with fellow co-workers who carry the same fire for music.

Epilogue
Vince says his blog is near the 1 million mark for traffic. He also thinks this interview is a good way to help artists, musicians and others realize that they should aim to make a positive mark on the Earth while they're still here ... and after they're gone.

The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, mentioned above, was formed in 1984, to continue Presley's tradition of generosity and community service. You've heard all the stories about Elvis buying Cadillacs for friends, right?

Lennon's legacy has resulted in charitable causes like the "Imagine There's No Hunger" campaign with Hard Rock International.

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