Taxus Baccata

by | Mar 15, 2018 | Taxus Baccata

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Ty Christopher Longley (September 4, 1971 – February 20, 2003) was an American guitarist.

Life and career

He was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Ohio. He joined the band Great White in 2000, played in Samantha 7, The Bullet Boys, and played in Nick Menza's solo project. Longley also did session work for many artists, including Nancy Sinatra and performed uncredited on many works of music.

Longley died in The Station nightclub fire on February 20, 2003, which claimed a total of 100 lives. When the fire started, Longley was performing with the band Great White. Instead of immediately exiting the building through the nearby band door, Longley ran off of the stage to break some windows with his guitar and aide in helping concert goers escape in the chaos. Longley was the only band member to lose his life in the fire.

Ty Longley was survived by Heidi Longley, who was three months pregnant with Ty’s only child.[1] Their son Acey Ty Christopher Longley was born in the summer of 2003.[2][3] Acey is also a musician, and runs a charity called B.E.A.T.S. (Bringing Everyone A Tremendous Smile) for children in his father's memory.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ "The Great White Nightclub Fire: Ten Years Later". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  2. ^ Grossberg, Josh (February 24, 2003). "Great White Guitarist Declared Dead". E! Online.
  3. ^ Mervis, Scott (March 25, 2005). "After the fire: Great White, survivors live with the horror of Rhode Island tragedy". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  4. ^ "Son of Great White guitarist cheers sick children to honor his dad".
  5. ^ "B.E.A.T.S. Official Facebook Page". facebook.com.
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